The Asfari Foundation is a grant making organisation. All its objectives are achieved through partnerships with specialised, capable and reputable grantee organisations which are non-political and non-sectarian and share the Foundation’s goals and values. The Asfari Foundation accepts applications from partner organisations and also identifies potential partners itself. Every partner is subject to a vetting procedure which establishes whether the organisation is experienced and reputable, shares the Foundation’s goals and values, and whether the proposed project meets the Foundation’s objectives and helps its target communities effectively. The Foundation only supports partners who work with others regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, or (dis)ability.
Where possible, the Foundation wishes to help Syrians in Syria and the surrounding countries, where needs are great. To enable it to do so, it either works with reputable international organisations or with local and Syrian civil society organisations. In the case of the latter, organisations are carefully selected through in-depth meetings with Foundation staff, desk reviews, feedback from trusted sources, vetting by experienced regional consultants who know Syria well to ensure that these organisations are non-sectarian, non-political and not linked to any militant groups or the Syrian regime, and that they are providing effective aid to Syrians in need. They then work with these organisations over a long period of time, providing small regular grants, each of which is subject to renewed checking.

Once the vetting process has been completed and a project agreed, a contract is drafted which sets out the responsibilities of the Foundation and of the partner organisation. When this is signed, the grant is made. During the project period the partner submits regular narrative and financial reports, and staff usually also visit the project and keep in touch with partner staff. Partnerships can run for several years as long as progress is satisfactory. Results are measured both in terms of outputs (eg students supported) but also through outcomes such as changes in the lives of partner target groups and communities. The Foundation intends to evaluate its programmes every few years.

For all partnerships involving scholarships, fellowships and bursaries, the Foundation has careful procedures to ensure that these opportunities are advertised openly and broadly, and that applicants are carefully and fairly selected on the basis of need, merit and promise.  Selection procedures include a formal application and panel interviews. Agreements are signed with successful candidates setting out what the Foundation expects from them, and they are required to report to the Foundation at regular intervals. The Foundation keeps in close touch with its scholars through visits, emails and phone calls, and will continue to do so after scholars graduate. While good progress during the scholarship is considered positive, the Foundation views the future success and community contribution of the scholars as the true outcome of the scholarships.