Our vision is to serve and uplift our community, with beneficiaries that encompass both our recipients and your akhirah (hereafter).
At Projects Us Foundation, we envision a society where Islamic values are at the heart of a flourishing and compassionate community. We strive to embody the principles of generosity, empathy and care for others in an authentic way.
Our goal is to make a positive and enduring impact on the Australian Muslim community and extend our influence beyond.
Our mission is to inspire, uplift and support our community on both domestic and global levels. We provide access and opportunities for individuals to flourish and succeed while offering immediate relief and aid when needed.
We are committed to authentically delivering Islamic values while upholding transparency and efficiency.
As a united community driven by compassion and dedication, we are resolute in our determination to transform lives and elevate the Muslim not-for-profit sector.
Hakan is a successful leader in the Islamic finance industry and since the inception of the Hejaz Group in 2007, he is driven by an innate desire to serve and uplift the less privileged members of the society.
Inspired by his late father’s life as an orphan, it served as a reminder to Hakan on the vulnerability many face in their lives, and the difference a helping hand can make.
As patron of Project Us Foundation, an initiative under the Hejaz umbrella, Hakan has ensured the Foundation has the distinct advantage of having all administrative overheads covered by Hejaz.
This means every penny, every dollar donated, is channelled directly into its charitable activities. Contributors have the assurance that 100% of their generosity is making a direct difference.
We aim to instill hope and provide resources that can offer immediate relief. We aspire to solidify this change, ensuring that our interventions are sustainable and far-reaching.
Fatma is an experienced leader with over 15-years in the financial services industry as well as the not-for-profit sector.
Throughout her professional journey, Fatma has held various leadership positions in both established companies and fast-growing start-ups. She has demonstrated ability to drive growth, build teams, and navigate complexities with successful outcomes.
Her commitment to excellence, coupled with her strategic and business acumen, has resulted in significant accomplishments. Under her guidance, companies have experienced growth, market expansion, stability and increased profitability.
Fatma fosters a culture of innovation, encouraging her teams to think outside the box and embrace calculated risks, firmly believing that empowering team members, nurturing talent, and fostering a collaborative work environment are the key drivers of success.
Fatma believes change is activated from a grassroot community level, where humanity can shine, uplift and fundamentally change the direction of the vulnerable and less fortunate. She is excited to be supporting and serving her wonderful community.
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Muhammed has a remarkable background in finance, now bringing his expertise to serve our foundation's noble mission. Following a career that saw Muhammed become a prominent figure with abundance of knowledge and experience in the Islamic Finance space, Muhammed is always extending his commitment to helping further and beyond.
With over a decade of experience in the financial sector, Muhammed has honed his skills in strategic planning, operational management, and organisational development. His journey has taken him through various leadership roles, where he has successfully navigated complex challenges and driven remarkable growth.
Now, driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to make a lasting impact, Muhammed has committed to contribute his expertise towards creating positive change in the lives of those we serve.
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Before embarking on his religious pursuit of knowledge, he graduated in the top 6% of the state, receiving acceptance into the renowned Melbourne University where he majored in Neuropharmacology and Neurochemistry.
Thereafter Studying the sacred, higher Islamic Sciences for over ten years under the tutelage of reputable senior scholars from around the world, he has been granted several ijazaa (licenses to teach) in Qur’an recitation, jurisprudence, theology, and Hadith (among others) and has taught the sacred texts of Tirmidhi and Mishkatul-Masabih. He has also taught the beautiful hadith book Sahih Bukhari. Sheikh has travelled throughout the subcontinent, Africa, Uk, and North America giving dawah, teaching, counselling youth, and assisting masaajid in developing programs to guide the Muslim community.
Sheikh has also consulted for a number of corporations and firms, and has had experience in the sectors of finance, telecommunications and construction. He also has a fond love of nature and the outdoors. Previously sheikh was Imam/ Pastoral Care Coordinator of Al-taqwa College and then Imam of Melbourne Grand Mosque. He currently is Imam at the Australian Islamic Centre.
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Saara Sabbagh has been active in the field of youth and community work in Melbourne for over 30 years. She is an educator, consultant and public speaker on Islamic affairs.
Saara is the Founding Director of Benevolence Australia, a grassroots community organisation with a focus on converts, reconnecting Muslims and the broader Australian community.
Benevolence sees itself as part of the global scholarly and spiritual revival that aims to reclaim the narrative on Islam grounded in the Prophetic values of Compassion, Service and Excellence.
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Dean is the CEO of Islamic Bank Australia and one of the driving forces around the creation of Australia’s first Islamic bank. He has extensive banking and start-up experience across both Australia and Asia. He has been leading the creation of Australia’s first Islamic bank since 2018.
Dean has passionately advocated for Muslims across Australia, including writing to all of Australia’s state and territory premiers calling for stamp duty reform. Off the back of these letters, some changes or consideration for changes are being made in various jurisdictions.
Dean has a history of founding startups, including SparkleVote, an innovative online election company. Outside of work, Dean is Chair of Lucy Air Ambulance for Children and is a former Councillor on Hurstville City Council.
Dean joined Islamic Bank Australia largely as a volunteer in 2018 before transitioning to full-time CEO in 2020. He is absolutely passionate about the need to support Muslim Australians in building the first Islamic bank. His knowledge of Australian retail banking and his commitment to ethical banking are a key driver in delivering our Islamic Bank Australia vision to reality.
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Nina Fashik is an Islamic Educator and Mindset Coach, She is a conscious practicing Muslim with an educational background and bachelor’s degree in Islamic studies.
She is the founder of ‘The Muslim Mindset’, a global initiative aiming to help women and youth align to their purpose in life and live with excellence, ihsan.
Nina believes in investing in our children to better our future’s outcome. Her passion lies in self-development from an Islamic standpoint. Nina champions teaching children about certain qualities Muslims must embrace and embody, so they can strive for excellence in all facets of life.
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Sheikh Alaa is the Imam of Heidelberg Heights Mosque, and a member of the Australian National Imams Council.
As a leader in our community, Sheikh Alaa Elzokm OAM believes the greatest impact of his work is in establishing and participating in peaceful and cohesive relationships between the Australian Muslim community and the wider Australian community.
In 2022 Sheikh Alaa was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the Islamic faith, and to multiculturalism.
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Moodi is Known in the industry as the ‘Diet Doctor’ for his unconventional approach to nutrition. He has worked with elite athletes and entertainers earning himself a position as a Health Executive for leading Allied health service companies Australia wide.
Applying his extensive knowledge in sports science, exercise physiology, nutrition and post graduate research including Prophetic Medicine, along with his faith, has put into practice how to implement food and movement to reap extensive health benefits to the body.
Moodi is also passionate about working, engaging and mentoring young people about nutrition. He has often been invited into mosques, youth, corporate and education spaces to provide motivational talks that offer hope and support to them. An inspiring and engaging public speaker who has lectured locally and nationally to an audience of thousands.
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Workplace giving engages your employees, has a positive impact on the community and improves business performance.
By implementing a successful Workplace Giving program, you can bring your organisation's core values and culture to life.
If you’d like to activate workplace giving and collaborate with Project Us Foundation, connect with us and we’ll be in touch!
Project Us Foundation is proud to be supported by our corporate partners, Hejaz, and Islamic Bank Australia.
With their support and expertise in the Islamic finance industry, we aim to maximise our impact and make your donations go further.
Hejaz has been at the forefront of providing innovative and Shariah-compliant financial solutions to our community since 2014. Hejaz’s expertise and experience in Islamic finance complement our mission to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to create prosperity for all – guided by principles of fairness, transparency, and social responsibility.
Visit Hejaz
Australia's first Islamic bank has revolutionised the financial landscape, offering banking solutions that align with Islamic principles and values. Our shared commitment to making a positive social impact drives us to explore new avenues and implement initiatives that bring tangible benefits to our communities.
Visit Islamic Bank Australia
Project Us’ mission is to inspire, uplift and support ourcommunity domestically and globally by providing them with access and opportunities for them to flourish and succeed while caring for them with immediate relief and aid.
We will authentically deliver our Islamic values while committing to being transparent and efficient, focusing on helping the members of our community who are struggling, serving them with dignity and respect while maximising the impacts of your donations.
Together, as a community united by compassion and dedication, we are determined to transform lives and elevate the Muslim not-for-profit sector. Through our commitment to these our giving initiatives, we strive to make a lasting difference and sow the seeds of hope and positivity for generations to come.
It all starts with Us. We are Project Us.
Our vision is simple but mighty. We exist to serve and elevate our community. The beneficiaries are our recipients and your akirah.
We believe is activating a flourishing and compassionate society rooted in our Islamic values, where we strive to authentically embody the principles of generosity, empathy, and care for others.
We will focus on:
- Strengthening family bonds,
- Provide fresh and nutritious food for those who are financially struggling.
- We will care for Muslim orphans
- We will care for Aussie Muslim kids that require foster care
- We will support our amazing elderly Aussie Muslims by teaching them how to read the Quran from scratch
- We will provide our community with free programs to support good health and upskill their knowledge.
Our aim is to create a positive and lasting impact on the Australian Muslim community and beyond.
We proudly support 3 giving initiatives
1. Community
PROTECT Us Programs
Our Community Initiative aims to nurture stronger family bonds and promote healthy relationships and Islamic connection. With the cost-of-living skyrocketing, we will deliver fresh and nutritious food bags to those facing financial stress, while empowering them with free resources like financial and computer literacy courses for greater independence.
2. Children
EMPOWER Us Programs
Our Children Initiative focuses on improving the lives of orphans caring for their education, health, and well-being. As well as offering employment training and opportunities, enabling them to thrive as independent adults.
We also address the growing issue of Muslim children requiring foster care, ensuring they maintain their cultural and religious identity by providing supportive environments and networks.
3. Elderly
Honour Us Programs
Our Elderly Initiative honours our heroes, our mothers, fathers, and risk-takers. We provide Health and well-being programs i.e. how to manage changes to your physical, mental and well-being.
We also provide them free access to programs that teaches them to read the Quran! Starting with the basics of reading Arabic and the aim to read the Quran.
Become a volunteer and/or donate towards fresh food bag, helping our elderly read the Quran, support an Orphan, support children in the foster care system and support our community gain access to free courses to improve and assist their independence.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible. We also have a 100% donation policy which means we distribute 100% of your donation to those in need.
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All donations over $2 are tax deductible. We also have a 100% donation policy which means we distribute 100% of your donation to those in need.
