Indiana University philanthropy group linked to sanctioned Hamas-linked charity
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A Muslim philanthropy group at Indiana University reportedly organized fundraising training programs with a Turkish nonprofit that the U.S. government recently certified as a “fake charity” accused of secretly funding Hamas as well as the Islamic revivalist Muslim Brotherhood.
According to a LinkedIn post and a local news source dating back seven months, the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative, which is part of the School of Philanthropy, allegedly organizes educational programs with Hayat Yolu.
The Treasury Department last Thursday identified Hayat Yolu as a key player in a secretive global network that uses the guise of humanitarian aid to raise money from abroad. Authorities say the group funnels funds into Gaza directly to support Hamas and its military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, and serves as a financial center and headquarters for the Muslim Brotherhood.
“Hamas continues to fund its military wing by utilizing fake charities to support terrorist operations,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement on March 12. he said. “The Treasury Department will not allow Hamas to abuse the charitable sector for its violent purposes, and we will continue to target these networks wherever they operate.”
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Indiana University’s Muslim Philanthropy Initiative allegedly held fundraising training events in conjunction with Life Path, which federal authorities recently confirmed as a Hamas-affiliated group. (Getty)
Events focusing on fundraising strategies are primarily hosted by Indiana University Assistant Professor Dr. Directed and presented by Shariq A. Siddiqui. Siddiqui said the long-term goal of education is to create a “domino effect”. based on to RRI media outlet.
In his exit, he added that the aim was to train participants with “scientific knowledge” so they could return to their home countries and pass on advanced fundraising and management techniques to others.
The organizations gained traction within months after hosting at least two multi-day training events in Istanbul, Türkiye, in July 2025 and in Jakarta, Indonesia, last January.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced last week that Hamas is tapping into the philanthropic sector to raise funds. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
The three-day Southeast Asia event attracted 86 participants, mainly from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Singapore, RRI reported. The first two days were reportedly devoted entirely to fundraising, focusing on how to raise money “systematically, professionally and scientifically.”
“The first two days focus on fundraising, specifically how to raise money systematically, professionally and scientifically,” Siddiqui said. “On the third day, we move into leadership, project management and volunteer management.”
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The Treasury Department seal in front of the Treasury Department building in Washington on May 4, 2021. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
Additionally, last summer’s Istanbul event brought together global nonprofit leaders to focus on scaling impact and sustainability, according to an attendee’s LinkedIn post. Siddiqui and Cambridge lecturer Dr. The training, allegedly conducted by Abed Ayoub, reportedly attracted the attention of leading international philanthropists.
Participants said education at the university helped them better understand how to organize fundraising efforts and expand their operational networks on a global scale.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Indiana University for more information.
