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Where Do Support Campaign Funds in Syria Go?
Syria has witnessed government efforts and popular initiatives to raise donations and aid aimed at supporting reconstruction and development projects, especially amid the deteriorating infrastructure and basic services due to ongoing war and destruction. Among the most prominent of these initiatives are support campaigns sponsored by the Syrian government, involving businesspeople and members of the Syrian community, with the goal of rebuilding cities and rehabilitating the damaged areas.
However, over time, many Syrians have started to raise important questions about the fate of the collected funds, especially after tangible results in terms of construction, rebuilding, and improving living standards have not materialized. This has fueled growing doubts about the transparency of fund management and how the money is spent.
What Are Support Campaigns and Who Are They Connected To?
The Syrian government organizes local support campaigns, collecting donations from businessmen, economic institutions, and individuals to contribute to reconstruction efforts and revitalize essential projects that the Syrian people lost during the years of war. Ultimately, the funds are directed to the *Syrian Development Fund*, a national institution established by Presidential Decree No. (112) of 2025. It is considered a relatively independent organization responsible for projects related to reconstruction and sustainable development in Syria.
The fund is described as an entity with financial and administrative independence, directly linked to the Presidency of the Republic. Its efforts are dedicated to leading a comprehensive development plan aimed at building a prosperous future for all Syrians through investing funds in infrastructure, health, education, employment, and basic services.
Challenges of Lack of Transparency and the Reality on the Ground
Although official reports indicate that the funds entering the *Syrian Development Fund* are managed independently and under presidential oversight, the phenomenon of the lack of tangible results on the ground causes public frustration and skepticism.
In recent years, estimates suggest that the total amount collected through official and private campaigns is large. Still, most Syrians see that neighborhoods, roads, and basic projects continue to lack minimum levels of service and safety, reflecting a significant gap between the collected funds and their actual results on the ground.
Public Concerns and Mixing Fact with Doubt
Voices questioning the fate of the funds have begun to rise, especially amid rumors that some funding parties might allocate part of the collected money for personal interests or unclear purposes, in the absence of effective oversight and transparent disclosure.
Due to the lack of detailed reports and public follow-up, many Syrians believe that the funds might be irresponsibly spent, held in undisclosed accounts, or allocated to projects unrelated to their original purpose. There are also leaks and suspicions of foreign accounts and secret balances managed by certain figures within the regime.
Criticism and the Reality on the Ground
In reality, tangible improvements in urban projects or services in areas promoted by support campaigns have not appeared. The destroyed cities still suffer from severe deficiencies in infrastructure, roads, and basic services despite claims of progress and reconstruction.
Media outlets and observers point out that a significant part of the funds might be used to cover administrative expenses, fund projects with no clear social or economic returns, or finance private projects for individuals or entities close to decision-makers—far from transparency and accountability.
Summary and Recommendations
- It has become clear that there is a large gap between the volume of funds collected through support campaigns and the tangible results on the ground.
- The process needs stricter international and local oversight to ensure transparency in fund management and direct the money toward projects with clear and tangible benefits for the Syrian people.
- It is essential for the Syrian government to issue periodic, transparent, and numbered reports detailing what has been spent, how, and where, along with publishing data and project updates on official websites so that the people can…
