Olive Tree Foundation Announces Grant to Support Ryerson University’s Muslim Community

The Olive Tree Foundation is pleased to announce that it has awarded a grant to support the projects of the Ryerson Muslim Staff and Faculty Community Network that was formed in response to requests from the Ryerson community to support Muslims on campus.

“This grant means so much to us in recognizing the work we do and validating our efforts at Ryerson,” says Sakeena Mihar, Co-chair, Ryerson Muslim Staff and Faculty Community Network. “This is a launching point for our network to build towards a brighter future with more stability and greater impact. Thank you to the Olive Tree Foundation for this meaningful support.”

The Network’s mission is to provide a safe space for Muslim staff, faculty, students, allies and community members to come together to protect each other, raise awareness, celebrate their culture and fight Islamophobia.

In October, a number of events have been planned for Islamic Heritage Month including a panel discussion, a healing circle as well as a Muslim fashion show.

Other initiatives the Network is planning include an annual Eid Lunch and a consultation to begin planning Islamophobia Training Strategy, Development, and Advocacy.

“The Olive Tree Foundation is very pleased to fund the projects of the Ryerson Muslim Staff and Faculty Community Network,” says Muneeb Nasir, President of the Olive Tree Foundation, in announcing the grant. “Ryerson University has a significant number of staff and faculty who identify as Muslim, as well as a sizeable Muslim student body and the Network will provide programming to support them.”

The Muslim Staff and Faculty Community Network aims to set an example for other institutions to follow in community development and long-term planning for diversity and inclusion.

The Olive Tree Foundation is a philanthropic foundation that promotes community development through the collection of endowed funds and charitable contributions to fund services for the long-term benefit of the community.

(L-R: Syed Hussain Bokhari, Development Associate, University Advancement – Ryerson University; Muneeb Nasir, President, Olive Tree Foundation; Sakeena Mihar, Co-chair, Ryerson Muslim Staff and Faculty Community Network; Shira Gellman, Development Officer, University Advancement – Ryerson University).