Syrian Development Fund Records $83M in Pledges and Collects $41M in Q1 2026

Key Findings of the Quarterly Report

The Syrian Development Fund released its Q1 2026 performance report, revealing meaningful progress during the strategic foundation phase. Total registered pledges and donations recorded through the Fund's official platform since its launch on 4 September 2025 reached approximately $83 million, while actual collections exceeded $41 million as of 31 March 2026, representing a collection rate of 46% against registered commitments.

The report noted that Q1 2026 was marked by the consolidation of institutional foundations, the development of operational frameworks, and the construction of an initial multi-sector programme portfolio, reflecting the Fund's transition from a foundation-building phase to full operational readiness.

Syria's Development Context

The Fund operates within a highly complex development environment. Key indicators cited in the report include:

• Approximately 15 million people in need of assistance to meet basic needs.
• Cumulative economic losses estimated at $800 billion.
• More than 80% of the population living below the poverty line.
• General unemployment exceeding 50%, with youth unemployment reaching 60%.
• More than half of hospitals operating below capacity or out of service.
• Over 2 million children out of the education system.
• More than 20% of housing units damaged or destroyed.
• 12 million people facing food insecurity.
• 6 million refugees and 7 million internally displaced persons.

Operating Philosophy and Sectoral Priorities

The Fund's operating philosophy is grounded in the principle of national priority and need, through direct community engagement, a commitment to transparency, and established grievance mechanisms. Four priority sectors have been identified: health, education, economic empowerment, and infrastructure.

On the partnerships front, a cooperation agreement was signed with the Saudi-Syrian Business Council to activate initiatives across health, education, economic empowerment, knowledge transfer, and capacity building. More than 45 development initiatives have been identified in coordination with Saudi government entities and Syrian ministries. The Q2 2026 timeline includes an official announcement, agreement signings, and the commencement of project implementation in June.

Financial Details and Contributions

Actual collections were distributed across currencies as follows: $36.4 million in US dollars, approximately 53.2 billion old Syrian pounds, and additional amounts in other currencies. The most notable contributions received during Q1 2026 included:

• Al-Khayyat family: $3.5 million during the quarter (total paid: $21 million).
• Al-Ashrafi family: $700,000.
• Loyal Company: $400,000.
• Mohammed Hassan Al-Salloum: $290,000.

Outstanding unpaid commitments include$10 million from Wafiq Saeed, and $1 million each from the White Room Group, Ahmed and Omar Hamcho, and the Al-Mahamid tribe. The report flagged the need to diversify the donor base to ensure sustainability, given a relative concentration of funding among major contributors.

Governance and Future Outlook

On the governance front, the Fund advanced its institutional framework, updated financial policies, and deployed an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system alongside a refreshed website. A media campaign titled «Because She Deserves It» was also launched. The Fund is coordinating with a range of international partners, including the World Bank (IFC), UNDP, UN-Habitat, UNHCR, the Saudi Development Fund, GIZ, and the ACSAD organization.

Looking ahead, the Fund's strategic priorities centre on transitioning to full implementation through the launch of its first funding allocation cycle, improving pledge collection rates, and expanding strategic partnerships, with the overarching goal of delivering sustainable development impact in support of Syria's recovery and stabilization.