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Non-profit

Asfari Foundation

Website:

www.asfarifoundation.org.uk/
Type:

Grantmaking Organization
Formation:

2006
CEO:

Muna Abbas
Charity Number:

1116751
Location:

London, England
Budget (2021):

Revenue: £3,029,362
Expenses: £3,098,384
Assets: £16,288,484

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The Asfari Foundation is a United Kingdom-registered left-of-center grantmaking organization. The organization has contributed to foreign policy and education nonprofits in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, and the disputed Palestinian territories. 1

Background

The Asfari Foundation was founded in 2006 by Ayman and Sawsan Asfari to improve the quality of education and civil society in the Middle East. 2 The organization has expanded its mission and provides grants to organizations that seek to promote a more left-of-center vision of foreign policy. 3

Ayman Asfari is a Syrian-born British businessman and former CEO of Petrofac, an oil and gas services company that designs, builds, and operates mineral extraction sites. 4 In 2017, Petrofac was the subject of a bribery investigation by the United Kingdom’s Serious Fraud Office. 5 Petrofac ultimately pleaded guilty to systematically having engaged in bribe making to win oil contracts in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. 6 In 2020, Asfari stepped down as the CEO of Petrofac International and in 2022 left his position as a member of the company’s board of directors. 7

Finances

In 2021, the Asfari Foundation received £3,029,362 (approximately $3,684,325) in revenue, 8 made £3,098,384 (approximately $3,768,270) in expenditures, 9 and held £16,288,484 (approximately $19,810,136) in net assets. 10

Grantmaking

United States

The Asfari Foundation has contributed to both left-of-center and hawkish organizations that seek to influence United States foreign policy. These include The Syria Campaign, an organization that opposes any normalization of United States foreign policy towards Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, 11 and We Exist, an organization that lobbies the United States and European countries to refuse to return refugees to a Syria under Bashar al-Assad’s government. 12

The Asfari Foundation has also contributed to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, an organization whose analyst, Rachel Kleinfeld, has argued that claims that American democracy is in decay are not overblown, 13 and pointed to former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) losing her primary after opposing former President Donald Trump as evidence of decay. 14 The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace has also been critical of attempts by the United States to encourage a military alliance between Saudi Arabia and Israel to combat Iran. 15

Between 2020 and 2021 the Asfari Foundation contributed to the Syria Campaign (£75,000) (approximately $91,520), We Exist! (£7,000) (approximately $8,513), Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (£288,867) (approximately $351,321), and Jusoor (£50,000) (approximately $60,810). 16

In 2019 the Asfari Foundation contributed to the Syria Campaign (£115,207) (approximately $140,654), Syrian Civil Defense (£77,349) (approximately $94,386), the Atlantic Council (£37,736) (approximately $46,071) and the Black Pearl (£31,000) (approximately $37,847). 17

United Kingdom

The Asfari Foundation has contributed to left-of-center and nonpolitical organizations in the United Kingdom. The foundation contributed to Gaza Sky Geeks, an organization that provides free technical training in cloud computing to individuals in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. 18

Between 2020 and 2021 the Asfari Foundation contributed to the Galilee Foundation (£150,000) (approximately $182,430), Gaza Sky Geeks (£75,000) (approximately $91,520), International Rescue Committee (£672,838) (approximately $821,044), Year Here, (£150,000) (approximately $182,430), CanDo  (£75,000) (approximately $91,520), Hands Up Foundation (£82,000) (approximately $100,062), Centre for Lebanese Studies (£5,000) (approximately $6,081), Humanitarian Leadership Academy (£30,261) (approximately $36,803), and Technovatio (£18,000) (approximately $21,891), Good Chance Theatre (£30,000) (approximately $36,486), and the Voices Project (£10,000) (approximately $12,162). 19

France

In 2020 and 2021 the Asfari Foundation contributed to three organizations in France: Women Now (£150,000) (approximately $182,430), Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression (£75,000) (approximately $91,520), and Musawa (£7,000) (approximately $8,513); a Malaysian based nonprofit organization that seeks to promote a model of Islam throughout the world that aligns with left-of-center values and viewpoints. 20

In 2023, the Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression, an organization that opposes the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, 21 successfully convinced French prosecutors to bring criminal charges in Paris against the Assad regime by strategically bringing claims on behalf of dual French-Syrian citizens, Mazen and Patrick Dabbagh, who died in Syrian prisons during the 2013 revolts in Syria. 22

Lebanon

Between 2020 and 2021 the Asfari Foundation contributed to Lebanese organizations that provide education, food security, and development aid to Syrian refugees. In addition, the foundation has supported organizations that seek to improve democracy and civil society in Lebanon, as well as environmentalist organizations. 23

Organizations supported by Asfari Foundation include Al-Fanar (£125,000) (approximately $152,025), Basman and Zeitooneh (£75,000) (approximately $91,520), ChangeLabs/Changemakers (£60,000) (approximately $72,972) , Fondation Diane (£150,000) (approximately $182,430), Pitchworthy (£265,059) (approximately $322,366), ShareQ (£157,000) (approximately $190,944), United Lebanon Youth Project (£75,000) (approximately $91,520), YMCA (£150,000) (approximately $182,430), DOT Lebanon (£7,500) (approximately $9,152), Labonon Support (£7,000) (approximately $8,541), Masar (£75,000) (approximately $91,520), Megaphone (£75,000) (approximately $91,520), Mentor Arabia (£7,000) (approximately $8,513), Nahnoo Association (£75,000) (approximately $91,520), Recycle Lebanon (£7,000) (approximately $8,513), Riyadah (£14,000) (approximately $17,027), Syrian Centre for Policy Research (£75,000) (approximately $91,520), American University of Beirut (£656,375) (approximately $798,286), Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut (£160,000) (approximately $195,243), Humanitarian Leadership Academy (£7,000) (approximately $8,513), IDRAAC (£3,000) (approximately $3,649), and Injaz (£3,000) (approximately $3,649). 24

Israel

Between 2020 and 2021 the Asfari Foundation contributed to Citizens Build a Community (£7,000) (approximately $8,513), and Sanad (£5,000) (approximately $6,101). Citizens Build a Community is an organization that advocates for the rights of Arab citizens of Israel located within the 1948 armistice line or “green line” demarcating Israeli control. 25 The organization is a project of the Inter Agency Task Force on Israeli Arab issues. 26

Palestinian Territories

Between 2020 and 2021 the Asfari Foundation contributed Al-Fanar (£150,000) (approximately $182,430), Yes Theatre (£150,000) (approximately $182,430), Hakini (£12,000) (approximately $14,594), and the Al-Qods Foundation for Medical Schools in Palestine (£6,250) (approximately $7,601). 27

Leadership

Muna Abbas is the CEO of the Asfari Foundation. 28 Prior to leading the organization, Abbas was a country director for PLAN International’s Jordan office. 29 PLAN International is an organization that engages in a range of policy areas related to girls and young woman across the world including issues such as abortion and reproductive health. 30

References

  1. “Who We Are.” Asfari Foundation. https://www.asfarifoundation.org.uk/home/who-are-we
  2. “Who We Are.” Asfari Foundation. https://www.asfarifoundation.org.uk/home/who-are-we
  3. “Middle East Strategy Task Force: Senior Advisers.” Atlantic Council. March 20, 2015. Accessed September 26, 2023. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/uncategorized/middle-east-strategy-task-force-senior-advisors/; “Annual Report and Financial Statements.” International Rescue Committee, UK. https://www.rescue.org/sites/default/files/document/2007/ircar2018finalfs.pdf
  4. “Serious Fraud Office secures third set of Petrofac bribery convictions” Serious Fraud Office. October 4, 2021. Accessed September 15, 2023. https://www.sfo.gov.uk/2021/10/04/serious-fraud-office-secures-third-set-of-petrofac-bribery-convictions/
  5. “Serious Fraud Office secures third set of Petrofac bribery convictions” Serious Fraud Office. October 4, 2021. Accessed September 15, 2023. https://www.sfo.gov.uk/2021/10/04/serious-fraud-office-secures-third-set-of-petrofac-bribery-convictions/
  6. “Serious Fraud Office secures third set of Petrofac bribery convictions” Serious Fraud Office. October 4, 2021. Accessed September 15, 2023. https://www.sfo.gov.uk/2021/10/04/serious-fraud-office-secures-third-set-of-petrofac-bribery-convictions/
  7.  “Tory donor Ayman Asfari to leave bribery scandal-hit Petrofac” The Guardian. May 8, 2022. Accessed September 15, 2023. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/may/08/tory-donor-ayman-asfari-to-leave-petrofac
  8. TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021. Charity Commission for England and Wales. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/4027422/accounts-and-annual-returns
  9. TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021. Charity Commission for England and Wales. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/4027422/accounts-and-annual-returns
  10. TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021. Charity Commission for England and Wales. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/4027422/accounts-and-annual-returns
  11. “Annual Report 2022” The Syria Campaign. https://thesyriacampaign.org/annualreport2022/
  12. “statement on Syrian Refugees” We exist. https://weexist-sy.org/statement_unga73/
  13. Kleinfeld, Rachel. “American democracy is dodging bullets” The Hill. January 20, 2023. Accessed September 15, 2023. https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/3820637-american-democracy-is-dodging-bullets/
  14. Kleinfeld, Rachel. “American democracy is dodging bullets” The Hill. January 20, 2023. Accessed September 15, 2023. https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/3820637-american-democracy-is-dodging-bullets/
  15. Alsayegh, Ali. “Dangers of an Anti-Iran Military Alliance” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. September 26, 2022. Accessed September 14, 2023.
  16. “THE ASFARI FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020” Charity Commission for England and Wales.  https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/4027422/accounts-and-annual-returns
  17. “THE ASFARI FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020” Charity Commission for England and Wales.  https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/4027422/accounts-and-annual-returns
  18. “Our Story.” Gaza Sky Geeks. https://gazaskygeeks.com/about/
  19.  “THE ASFARI FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020” Charity Commission for England and Wales.  https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/4027422/accounts-and-annual-returns.
  20. “Theory of Change 2019-2024.” Musawah. https://www.musawah.org/theory-of-change/
  21. “49th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council: Report of the Independent International Commission of Syria” Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression. March 11, 2024. Accessed September 15, 2023. https://scm.bz/en/international-commission-of-syria/
  22. “The First Trial in France of Senior French Officials Begins in May 2024” Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression. https://scm.bz/en/the-first-trial-in-france-of-senior-syrian-officials-begins-in-may-2024/
  23. TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021. Charity Commission for England and Wales. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/4027422/accounts-and-annual-returns
  24. TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021. Charity Commission for England and Wales. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/4027422/accounts-and-annual-returns
  25. “Citizens Build a Community” Interagency Task Force on Israeli Arab issues. https://www.iataskforce.org/entities/view/103
  26. “Citizens Build a Community” Interagency Task Force on Israeli Arab issues. https://www.iataskforce.org/entities/view/103
  27. TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021. Charity Commission for England and Wales. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/4027422/accounts-and-annual-returns
  28.  “News From The Chairman – New Asfari Foundation Ceo Appointed!” Asfari Foundation. https://www.asfarifoundation.org.uk/news/news-from-the-chairman-new-asfari-foundation-ceo-appointed#:~:text=On%20behalf%20of%20the%20Foundation%27s,CEO%20for%20the%20Asfari%20Foundation.
  29.  “News From The Chairman – New Asfari Foundation Ceo Appointed!” Asfari Foundation. https://www.asfarifoundation.org.uk/news/news-from-the-chairman-new-asfari-foundation-ceo-appointed#:~:text=On%20behalf%20of%20the%20Foundation%27s,CEO%20for%20the%20Asfari%20Foundation.
  30. “What We Do.” PLAN International. https://plan-international.org/what-we-do/
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