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CHARITY REVIEW
Issued: October 2025 Expires: October 2027

Syrian Forum USA

Standards Not Met
Standards Not Met
4 16 17
(437) 871-8710
7668 Plaza Court
Willowbrook, IL, 60527
https://syrianforumusa.org
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Standards For Charity Accountability

Governance

  1. Board Oversight
  2. Board Size
  3. Board Meetings
  4. Board Compensation
  5. Conflict of Interest

Measuring Effectiveness

  1. Effectiveness Policy
  2. Effectiveness Report

Finances

  1. Program Expenses
  2. Fundraising Expenses
  3. Accumulating Funds
  4. Audit Report
  5. Detailed Expense Breakdown
  6. Accurate Expense Reporting
  7. Budget Plan

Fundraising & Info

  1. Truthful Materials
  2. Annual Report
  3. Website Disclosures
  4. Donor Privacy
  5. Cause Marketing Disclosures
  6. Complaints

Syrian Forum USA does not meet the following 3 Standards for Charity Accountability:

Standard 4 (Compensated Board Members)
Not more than one or 10% (whichever is greater) directly or indirectly compensated person(s) serving as voting member(s) of the board. Compensated members shall not serve as the board's chair or treasurer.

SFUSA does not meet this Standard because:

  • The Chief Executive Officer also serves as the chair of the board of directors.

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 14 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
Ghassan Hitto, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Chair of the Board
Ghassan Hitto

Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, 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, Door-to-door appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Direct mail appeals, Membership appeals, Planned giving arrangements, Print advertisements (newspapers, magazines, etc.), Telephone appeals

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

Report completed by:
BBB Wise Giving Alliance