The Bachar Houli Foundation has welcomed a $950,000 funding commitment from the State Labour Government that will significantly broaden the reach of Foundation programming.

The Foundation, which is embedded as part of Richmond Football Club’s community programming, works to empower the next generation of Australia’s Islamic community.

Bachar Houli said that the funding would allow the Foundation to expand on the work they do with Muslim Victorians in schools.

 “We are proud of the impact our programs are having across the state and are excited about the opportunity to continue to provide more touch-points with students,” he said.

“This commitment will help us continue to use the power of sport to develop young leaders, enabling them achieve their goals.”

The funding commitment includes $200,000 to support the Bachar Houli Cup which engages more than 5000 students at Islamic schools through Aussie rules football to create a sense of belonging and harmony.

A further $750,000 over three years will support the Bachar Houli Foundation to develop young leaders within the Muslim community and provide an education platform for wider Australia.

Richmond CEO Brendon Gale welcomed the announcement.

“Bachar’s work is having a profound impact on the lives of many young people,” Gale said.

“We are thrilled the importance of that work is being recognised work and this support will only strengthen the already impressive outcomes being delivered.”

The Bachar Houli Foundation focuses on four key pillars of Engagement, Education, Employment, and Talent delivered through twelve unique programs across Australia.

The grant comes as part of a $30million commitment to build and upgrade Islamic schools, as part of a fund to improve low-fee non-government schools.

“We know many families with children at low-fee schools scrimp and save to make ends meet – that’s why we’ll continue to support Islamic schools to make sure students have the support they deserve,” Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said.

About : Bachar Houli Foundation

The Bachar Houli Foundation (BHF) is a unique non-for-profit organisation that aims to develop young leaders within the Muslim community. The BHF aims to support social cohesion by fostering young (Men and Women) Muslims with a sense of belonging through football development. The Foundation also creates employment pathways through traineeships and builds cross-community bridges by promoting social inclusion through elite football programs.