The empowerment of civil society is an essential step in establishing and consolidating democratic structures. In order to do so, it is crucial to understand the forces and dynamics that are shaping Syria’s civil society today. This not only provides a more nuanced picture than that often conveyed by the media but also supports Syrian civil society groups in overcoming their difficulties and making better use of the opportunities available to them. At the same time, it could inspire the international community to review its support for Syrian civil society to make it more relevant to the realities and needs on the ground. Based on in-depth interviews with 94 civil society groups in the areas out of government control in Northern Syria, this study aims to help empower Syrian civil society by making it better understood.