Scholarships & Awards
The Olive Tree Foundation serves the Canadian community not only as a partner in philanthropy, but offers important initiatives that promote community development. Every year, the Olive Tree Foundation (OTF) provides Scholarship and Bursary Awards to students entering full-time programs of study at a college or university in the upcoming academic year.
Mohamed and Opheera Nasir Scholarship – $1,000
This scholarship is awarded annually to a high school graduate entering their first year of college or university. Recipients are chosen on the basis of exceptional leadership qualities, and social conscience as demonstrated by involvement in community service and/or charitable organizations, as well as academic excellence.
Faisal Ali Scholarship – $1000
This award is presented to a high school graduate who has excelled in their academic studies during their final year of high school, and will be entering their first year of university or college.
Shamimuddin Siddiqi and Farida Siddiqi Scholarship – $2,000
This award is in recognition of a gradute student’s exceptional scholarship, activism, and community engagement in the areas of Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian racism, and social justice. The award is presented in partnership with the Islamophobia Research Hub at York University.
Past Award Recipients
2025
Fadeelat Shittu – Mohamed & Opheera Nasir Scholarship
Karani Sabanathan – Faisal Ali Scholarship
Sheema Khawar - Shamimuddin Siddiqi and Farida Siddiqi Scholarship
Somar Abuaziza
2024
Palestinian Students & Scholars At Risk (PSSAR): Mohamed & Opheera Nasir Scholarship
Palestinian Students & Scholars At Risk (PSSAR): Faisal Ali Scholarship
2023
Shamiq Rahman - Mohamed & Opheera Nasir Scholarship
Waseelah Abubakar - Faisal Ali Scholarship
2022
Marwa Rasoli - Mohamed & Opheera Nasir Scholarship
Kewthar Abubakar - Faisal Ali Scholarship
2021
Samir Abdella - Mohamed & Opheera Nasir Scholarship
Saariyah Abbas - Faisal Ali Scholarship
2020
Attaur Rahman - Mohamed & Opheera Nasir Scholarship
Fatima Zerlish - Faisal Ali Scholarship
2019
Amenak El Werfalli - Mohamed & Opheera Nasir Leadership Scholarship
Hshmat Sahak - Faisal Ali Academic Excellence Scholarship
2018
Sarah Adil - Mohamed & Opheera Nasir Leadership Scholarship
Abdullah Nafees - Faisal Ali Academic Excellence Scholarship
Basma Hamodi - Women's Advancement Bursary
Mahad Zaryab - Youth Action Bursary
Maryam Mohamedali - Youth Action Bursary
2017
Amina Bangura - Mohamed & Opheerah Nasir Leadership Scholarship
Bilaal Hussain - Faisal Ali Academic Excellence Scholarship
Erum Hasan - Women's Achievement Bursary
Jawairia Mohammed - Youth Action Bursary
Hamza Kamal - Youth Action Bursary
2016
Razan Samara - Mohamed & Opheerah Nasir Leadership Scholarship
Ishraq Alam - Faisal Ali Academic Excellence Scholarship
Sarah Baig - Women's Achievement Bursary
Mariam Abdel Akher - Youth Action Bursary
Hamza Furmli - Youth Action Bursary
2015
Suhaima Tunio - Mohamed & Opheerah Nasir Leadership Scholarship
Maryam Najib - Academic Excellence Bursary
Samia Kamal - Women's Achievement Bursary
Iman Hersi - Abdullah ibn Umm Makhtum Student Bursary
Saad Kurshid - Youth Action Bursary
2014
Syed S. Ejaz - Mohamed & Opheera Nasir Leadership Scholarship
Momin Daanish - Academic Excellence Bursary
Samiyah Khan - Women's Achievement Bursary
Hisham Mohammad - Abdullah ibn umm Makhtum Bursary
Komal Javed - Youth Action Bursary
2013
Azra Jessa - Mohamed & Opheera Nasir Leadership Scholarship
Sarah Husni - Academic Excellence Bursary
Khadija Waseem - Women's Achievement Bursary
Roa'a Hamed & Ali El-Shayeb - Abdullah ibn umm Makhtum Bursary (2013 we offered two awards)
Ismael Abdullah - Youth Action Bursary
2012
Amina Khan – Mohamed & Opheera Nasir Leadership Scholarship
Mohamed Shahid – Academic Excellence Bursary
Bushra Siddiqui – Women’s Achievement Bursary
Zohaib Ahmed – Abdullah ibn umm Makhtum Bursary
Saad Amjad – Youth Action Bursary
2011
Shagufta Panchbhaya – Mohamed & Opheera Nasir Leadership Scholarship
Usama Saeed – Academic Excellence Bursary
Hodan Mohamed – Women’s Achievement Bursary
Maryam Azhar – Abdullah ibn umm Makhtum Bursary
Muneerah Jafry – Youth Action Award