Ajaz.org | Supporting children and families in need

Ajaz.org supports organisations that provide assistance to children and families in need. Their approach combines traditional grant-making with promotion and fundraising support.

Where needed, they also draw on their team’s experience to help charities with their communications and branding, as well as their governance.

Philanthropist Ajaz Ahmed and director Nicola Brentnall tell us more about the initiative and its goals, and share their top 5 tips for new donors.

What inspired you to set up Ajaz.org?

Last year we were both at a crossroads. Nicola was looking for something to do after retiring, following a successful career in the charitable sector. Ajaz wanted to increase his philanthropy but was very busy running the global design and innovation company AKQA. We joined forces to try and do something useful.

Between us, we have known poverty, great success, crushing failure and grief. We know any success we have had has been down to help from the people around us. We want to be authentic, coming to this work as human beings who, too, have been there. We want to share what we have and build a fellowship of mutual support.

Why have you chosen to fund children and families?

Because of our personal experience and work together, at The Prince’s Trust and The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust. We saw enormous challenges and how children and young people responded with courage and care for others. One doesn’t have to look far to find people struggling with poverty, illness, bereavement or loss.

Do you take a ‘hands-on’ or ‘hands-off’ approach with the charities you fund?

We know how charity leaders are busy. What they need is funding, mostly unrestricted, with as few questions asked as possible and minimal reports to file.

Our role in due diligence is to understand what is happening, get a sense of the people, and if we like it, to fund and stand clear. Our wider offer is there if it is helpful. We are here to help and to listen. We need feedback, too – to help us to improve.

Can you tell us a success story? 

Ajaz’s funding and advice helped to start The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust. Together, we created a platform to recognise and fund young social entrepreneurs.

Our aim was to focus on the young – for their example is the story. Without that, there is no reason for anyone to give. Young people appreciated that we put them first, with the QCT behind.

Their example inspired us during the difficult early days and provided the stories that help us raise substantial sums to get the organisation on its feet. This money continues to support young people to this day.

What advice do you have for those getting into giving?