Syrian Forum USA
Standards For Charity Accountability
Governance
-
Board Oversight
-
Board Size
-
Board Meetings
-
Board Compensation
-
Conflict of Interest
Measuring Effectiveness
-
Effectiveness Policy
-
Effectiveness Report
Finances
-
Program Expenses
-
Fundraising Expenses
-
Accumulating Funds
-
Audit Report
-
Detailed Expense Breakdown
-
Accurate Expense Reporting
-
Budget Plan
Fundraising & Info
-
Truthful Materials
-
Annual Report
-
Website Disclosures
-
Donor Privacy
-
Cause Marketing Disclosures
-
Complaints
Syrian Forum USA does not meet the following 2 Standards for Charity Accountability:
Standard 16 (Annual Report)
Have an annual report available to all, on request, that includes: (a) the organization's mission statement, (b) a summary of the past year's program service accomplishments, (c) a roster of the officers and members of the board of directors, (d) financial information that includes (i) total income in the past fiscal year, (ii) expenses in the same program, fund raising and administrative categories as in the financial statements, and (iii) ending net assets.
SFUSA does not meet this Standard because the 2024 annual report did not include:
- A roster of the organization's board of directors.
- The organization's 2024 financial information.
Standard 17 (Web Site Disclosures)
Include on any charity websites that solicit contributions, the same information that is recommended for annual reports, as well as the mailing address of the charity and electronic access to its most recent IRS Form 990.
SFUSA does not meet this Standard because the organization’s website, https://syrianforumusa.org, does not include all of the recommended information for those charity websites that solicit for donations. Specifically, it does not include:
- Electronic access to the organization’s 2023 IRS Form 990.
- A roster of the organization's board of directors.
The BBB Wise Giving Alliance requested but did not receive complete information from the organization and is unable to verify the organization's compliance with the following Standard(s) for Charity Accountability: 13, 14, 15
Syrian Forum USA meets the remaining 15 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Stated Purpose:
"to enhance social stability and economic self-reliance among Syrians affected by the conflict at home and abroad through sustainable development projects, educational opportunities, innovative job training and placement, effective self-governance, policy advocacy, and media representation."
Year, State Incorporated:
2014, IL
Syrian Forum USA (SFUSA) reports that it works to empower Syrians to rebuild their lives and communities through development and humanitarian affairs, education, public policy and research, and advocacy. The organization provides aid such as food and shelter, promotes economic growth, and supports social development to alleviate suffering and empower communities. SFUSA's education model focuses on the student, family, and teacher, creating an environment that encourages continuous learning and helps students reach their full potential. SFUSA promotes economic growth by offering vocational, computer, language, and specialized skills training to foster self-reliance. The organization also raises awareness to amplify the Syrian cause by shedding light on the humanitarian situation in northern Syria, fostering international cooperation, mobilizing resources, and advocating for sustainable solutions.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Syrian Forum USA's program expenses were:
| Program services | $7,700,317 |
| Total Program Expenses | $7,700,317 |
Chief Executive
Hasan Al-Kurdi, Executive Director
Chair of the Board
Ghassan Hitto
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Co-Founder, SFUSA
Board Size
7
Paid Staff Size
15
*2023 compensation, as reported by the organization, includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Telephone appeals, Invitations to fund raising events, Print advertisements (newspapers, magazines, etc.), Grant proposals, Internet, Door-to-door appeals, Planned giving arrangements, Membership appeals, Workplace Giving
Fundraising costs were 2% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $8,596,410, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)
This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
The following information is based on Syrian Forum USA's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Source of Funds
| Contributions | $8,596,410 |
| Unrealized gain on investments - securities | $57,628 |
| Other income | $20,652 |
| Total Income | $8,674,690 |
Programs: 89% Fundraising: 1% Administrative: 10%
| Total Income | $8,674,690 |
| Total expenses: | $8,688,300 |
| Program expenses | $7,700,317 |
| Fundraising expenses | $129,465 |
| Administrative expenses | $858,518 |
| Other expenses | $0 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses | $-13,610 |
| Beginning Net Assets | $1,494,084 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets | $0 |
| Ending Net Assets | $1,480,474 |
| Total Liabilities | $63,924 |
| Total Assets | $1,544,398 |
An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.
This report is not to be used for fundraising or promotional purposes.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Meets Standards
-
Standards Not Met
-
Did Not Disclose
-
Review in Progress
-
Unable to Verify
Report completed by:
BBB Wise Giving Alliance