Few years ago, a group of teenagers did something remarkable, something many of us never bothered or considered before. They tried to imagine the difficult conditions of young people in juvenile detention centers. They pictured themselves growing behind the bars and tried to comprehend spending years in an enclosed space. They understood that finding a…
New York, NY (May 2017) – Turkish Philanthropy Funds is proud to announce 2017 Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award recipient: Ipek Kavasoglu. This is the second year Ipek is supported through the award. She studies Economics at Duke University. The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Awardees were selected on the basis of a competitive process focusing on personal…
Ride and Change. We are riding again! Grab your wheels and meet us at Central Park on June 4th @9AM. Color Ride is more than just cycling. It’s about getting together with other change makers and sharing our passion of empowering communities. We mobilize, raise awareness and cherish our impact as we ride nine miles…
A Colorful Story by Nick Porcaro Nearing retirement, I had for a number of years felt the need to give back for the opportunities I have had. In 2007 a Special-Needs High School in Massachusetts had been trying to expand their campus without success due to design and budget constraints. I offered to donate my…
Few years ago, Mahmut knocked on the doors of countless institutions and foundations with high hopes and big dreams. He was accepted to Akdeniz University to study law. He wanted to become a prosecutor and had the will and passion to achieve his dream. All he needed was a scholarship to cover his cost of…
Meet Mustafa, a 14 year-old who has that rare ability to drag you into a different world with his drawings. A true artist, who can’t resist to transform blank pages into capturing artwork within minutes when he’s in reach of crayons. At this age, he is already famous for being the designer behind Tohum Autism…
Four hours. Seven amazing panelists. Two inspirational keynote speakers. Many priceless advice on being true to yourself, taking risks, and creating positive impact. Countless business leaders, entrepreneurs, academics and young professionals gathered under one roof. All inspired and motivated to make a change. And that’s not all. Hundreds of equal opportunities will be created with…
A Colorful Story by Nakiye A. Boyacıgiller, Ph.D. Two years ago I lost the love of my life, my husband of 39 years (sweetheart for 43), Ziya G. Boyacıgiller. When our friends at TPF asked me to write about Ziya, a founding partner and board member of the organization, I hesitated. How should I describe…
Speech by Mustafa Kemal Abadan, TPF Chairman & CEO. Ladies and gentleman, distinguished guests and our special honoree of the evening Sayin Rahmi Koc, good evening. I am so glad that all of you could join us tonight despite the conspiracy that the weather gods have bestowed upon us. In any case thankfully the storm…
by Goncagul Ay, Program Associate. “I made this painting so when I grow up I can remember my family.” This is a quote by an eleven-year-old Mustafa, who lives in the Bolluca Children’s Village. This village is the first place he calls “home”. All the stories start with an opening line of “once upon a…