Indiana University Program Tied to Fundraising Trainings with Group Sanctioned for Alleged Hamas Support
An academic philanthropy initiative at Indiana University is facing serious questions after reports surfaced that it helped lead international fundraising trainings alongside a Turkish nonprofit that the U.S. government has now sanctioned as a front for Hamas.
The Muslim Philanthropy Initiative, housed within Indiana University’s School of Philanthropy, allegedly partnered in organizing multiple training programs with Hayat Yolu — a Turkey-based organization the U.S. Department of the Treasury recently designated as a so-called “sham charity.” Federal officials say the group has secretly funneled money to Hamas and its militant wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, while also operating as a financial hub for the Muslim Brotherhood.
The collaboration was detailed in public postings and media reports dating back several months, indicating that joint training events had already taken place overseas.
Treasury: Hamas Exploits “Sham Charities”
In a March 12 statement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made clear that the Biden administration would not tolerate exploitation of humanitarian channels to bankroll terror.
“Hamas continues to finance its military wing by exploiting sham charities to support terrorist operations,” Bessent stated. “The Treasury Department will not allow Hamas to misuse the charitable sector for its violent aims, and we will continue to target these networks wherever they operate.”
According to the Treasury Department, Hayat Yolu played a central role in a covert global fundraising network that masked itself as humanitarian aid while channeling money to Gaza in ways that allegedly benefited Hamas leadership and infrastructure.
Fundraising “Domino Effect” Across the Globe
The joint training sessions reportedly focused on advanced fundraising strategy and nonprofit management. Indiana University Assistant Professor Dr. Shariq A. Siddiqui was said to have led and presented at the events. Public remarks attributed to Siddiqui described a long-term vision of creating a “domino effect,” equipping participants with “scientific” fundraising knowledge they could take back to their home countries and replicate.
Two major multi-day events were reportedly held — one in Istanbul, Turkey, in July 2025 and another in Jakarta, Indonesia, in January. The Southeast Asia gathering drew 86 participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, and Singapore.
- The first two days concentrated on systematic and professional fundraising methods
- The third day shifted toward leadership development, project management, and volunteer coordination
- Attendees were encouraged to scale their nonprofit operations internationally
An earlier event in Istanbul reportedly attracted nonprofit leaders from around the world and focused on expanding organizational impact and sustainability. Siddiqui and an academic affiliated with Cambridge were identified in public accounts as leading figures in the training.
Serious Questions for U.S. Institutions
Participants in the programs praised the trainings for strengthening their fundraising networks and improving their organizational reach. But in light of the Treasury Department’s sanctions, the reported partnership now raises troubling questions about oversight and vetting — especially when American academic institutions are involved abroad.
At a time when radical terror groups continue to threaten global stability and American allies like Israel, any link — direct or indirect — between U.S.-based entities and organizations accused of bankrolling extremists deserves scrutiny.
Indiana University has been contacted for comment regarding the reported collaboration and what due diligence, if any, was conducted before working with Hayat Yolu.
American taxpayers and families expect transparency and accountability, particularly when higher education institutions engage on the world stage. As federal authorities crack down on terror financing networks, it remains to be seen what further information may emerge about this troubling association.
Wake Up America will continue monitoring this developing story.
