About

A Syrian non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in Homs in 2011.

Emissa is a Syrian non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in 2011 in Homs in response to the growing humanitarian needs caused by the Syrian crisis. It was established by a group of volunteers and built on the belief that every person deserves to live with dignity, and that humanitarian work must uphold the values of justice, freedom and solidarity.

Over time Emissa has grown from a local initiative into a regional humanitarian and development organization operating in Syria, Türkiye and Lebanon through three legal entities — Emissa – Syria, IDIL – Türkiye and IDIL – Lebanon — united under one mission: to empower people and build resilient, sustainable communities.

Our work connects humanitarian response with long-term development, focusing on emergency relief, education, livelihoods, women and youth empowerment, protection and social cohesion. Guided by neutrality, independence and non-discrimination, we deliver inclusive, community-driven interventions that reach those most in need.

Humanitarian work is the mechanism through which services are delivered with dignity, ensuring that the rights and self-worth of beneficiaries are fully respected.

How we got here

  1. 2011

    Founded in Homs

    A group of Syrian volunteers starts Emissa in response to the growing humanitarian needs caused by the Syrian crisis.

  2. Across Syria

    Local networks deliver food, shelter, education and medical assistance, and help women, youth and vulnerable families rebuild their lives.

  3. Beyond the border

    As displacement spread, the organization registered in Türkiye as IDIL (Innovative Development for Improving Lives) and later also worked in Lebanon.

  4. 2024

    Back home

    Following the liberation of Syria, Emissa returned home and was re-registered under its original name, Emissa – Syria.

Our vision

A future where unified, cohesive and self-reliant communities live in dignity and peace, protected by a vibrant civil society that upholds equality, safeguards human rights and fosters sustainable development and long-term stability.

Our mission

We design and implement inclusive, community-driven programs and projects that alleviate human suffering and sustainably improve the quality of life of civilians. We empower individuals and strengthen community resilience through effective humanitarian response and integrated development, grounded in justice, transparency and respect for human dignity.

What guides every decision

Six values that shape our work and every partnership we build.

  • Equality and human dignity

    Upholding the equal worth and rights of all people and protecting human dignity in every circumstance.

  • Human rights

    Letting the defense and promotion of human rights guide all our actions.

  • Accountability and transparency

    Taking responsibility and staying open toward communities, partners and stakeholders.

  • Integrity and credibility

    Acting with honesty, professionalism and ethical conduct to strengthen trust.

  • Empowerment and participation

    Enabling individuals and communities to take part in shaping their futures.

  • Sustainability and impact

    Creating long-term, meaningful change by promoting resilience and sustainable development.

Our theory of change

Building resilient and inclusive communities by strengthening the capacity of local actors, enhancing participatory decision-making, fostering collaboration between civil society and authorities, and promoting sustainable, gender-responsive development that empowers women, youth and marginalized groups.

Our Theory of Change starts with strengthening local civil society organizations and emerging community groups, through training in governance, gender-responsive approaches, accountability and project management. When these actors take part in local decision-making and coordination, community needs are better represented and local policies become more responsive and inclusive. Better access to resources, information and participatory tools helps communities identify challenges, prioritize solutions and act together. Sustaining these results over time gives Syrian communities greater resilience, better well-being and a lasting capacity to drive social and economic change.

How we work: six strategies

  1. Community-led programming

    Initiatives are designed with active community participation to stay relevant to local needs.

  2. Capacity building and empowerment

    Training and mentorship strengthen the governance and leadership of local organizations and community groups.

  3. Inclusive and gender-responsive approaches

    Programs ensure equitable access and participation for women, youth, persons with disabilities and marginalized groups.

  4. Multi-sectoral and nexus programming

    Interventions combine humanitarian aid, development and peacebuilding to meet immediate needs and long-term resilience.

  5. Partnership and coordination

    Collaboration with authorities, civil society and stakeholders keeps interventions coherent, complementary and sustainable.

  6. Evidence-based and adaptive implementation

    Programs rely on assessments, research and monitoring to adapt to changing contexts and maximize impact.

The long-term changes we work toward

  • Stronger local capacities

    Local organizations and community groups can design, implement and sustain initiatives effectively.

  • Inclusive decision-making

    Community needs are represented, and policies are responsive, accountable and inclusive.

  • Empowered, cohesive communities

    Communities collaborate, solve problems together and strengthen social cohesion.

  • Lasting partnerships

    Partnerships between authorities, civil society and communities ensure transparent governance and effective crisis response.

  • Gender equality and social inclusion

    Women, youth, persons with disabilities and marginalized groups take an active part in leadership and governance.

  • Resilience and well-being

    Communities achieve lasting resilience, better well-being and the capacity to drive social and economic development.

Where we work and how we are registered

Emissa operates through three legal entities that share one mission and one way of working.

  • Emissa – Syria Operating in the northwest, northeast and central regions. Our original name, restored in 2024.
  • IDIL – Türkiye Registered in Türkiye as Innovative Development for Improving Lives. Offices in Gaziantep.
  • IDIL – Lebanon Supports refugees and crisis-affected communities in Lebanon.
Iraq Türkiye Syria Lebanon Gaziantep Aleppo Homs
Schematic map based on the one in our profile. It shows where we work, not borders.

How we are organized

  1. General Assembly
  2. Board of Directors
  3. Chief Executive Officer

Chief Operations Officer

  • Country Directors: Türkiye, Syria, Lebanon
  • Area Managers
  • Project Managers

Chief Support Officer

  • Logistics
  • Information technology
  • Human resources
  • Finance

Chief Development Officer

  • Programs
  • Monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL)
  • Grants and partnerships
  • Research and information management

Chief Communications Officer

  • Communications
  • Advocacy
  • Media

What our logo says

  • The central “e”

    Stands for the identity of Emissa and its people-centered approach, and for Empowerment, Engagement and Equity.

  • Four surrounding shapes

    Individuals or community components coming together in a circle: collaboration, inclusion and interconnectedness.

  • The teal

    Stability, hope and balance, and the commitment to peacebuilding, resilience and sustainable progress.

  • The orange tagline

    Energy, motivation and the drive for positive change.

Our partners

All partners

Get involved

Donate

Fund relief and development work in the communities we serve.

Donate

Partner with us

Work with us as a donor, agency or local organization.

Become a partner

Volunteer

Give your time and skills to a community project.

Volunteer