News

TPF Launches its Scholarship Program!

02/16/2010

TPF launched its Scholarship Program on February 11, 2010. Read more about the event. To donate to the Scholarship Program Pool Fund click here.

Good News from Caykisla!

01/25/2010

The Caykisla Okulyap Project has been completed! Read more.

An Estate Gift Becomes A Scholarship for A Medical Student

11/13/2009

Onur Can is the first recipient of a scholarship named in memory of the late Dr. Sevket Turgut Nese at his alma mater, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa School of Medicine. Read more.

FAQ: Donors

Why give through TPF?

Giving through TPF offers an easy way for you to realize your philanthropic interests. Donations that are intended for NGOs in Turkey are channeled through TPF with full tax-deductibility under US laws. As our partner in giving, you receive the simplicity and tax advantage of a public charity combined with the personal recognition, involvement and flexibility of a private foundation for giving in Turkey as well as giving in the United States. You also gain access to the highest level of strategic thinking on ways to meet community challenges to help make your contributions as effective as possible. And because we plan to be here, serving our community for a long time, you can be assured that there will be a permanent source of funds for issues you care about.

Satisfaction comes from knowing that your contributions have been effective and have created positive change. We know you consider your philanthropic gifts to be an investment – in your community, your hometown, or whatever causes you select. Tap into the expertise of our staff members who are available to assess the effectiveness of a grant, research a giving option or to discuss opportunities with you. We care a great deal about the effectiveness of your gifts and that your giving experience rewards you with great satisfaction and joy.

What is a Named Fund?

A donor can establish and name a fund with an irrevocable contribution of a minimum of $10,000. The donor receives a tax deduction in the current year while contributions are invested in professionally managed investment pools and can grow over time. Through grants donors can support NGOs of their choice, in an area that is important to them, or work with experts and advisors at TPF to determine where to give in Turkey and in the US in the current year or in the future.

What is a Social Needs Fund?

Social Needs funds are established to support charitable beneficiaries or institutions in specific issue areas with pooled contributions in a variety of amounts. TPF has identified four issue areas as pressing needs in Turkey: Livelihoods, Women Empowerment, Education, and Arts&Culture.

Can I give to a US-based Turkish organization through TPF?

Yes. There are 2 ways to support a US-based Turkish NGO.

1.  Firstly, a donor can support a US-based Turkish organization through his/her named fund. Read more on named funds.
2.  Secondly, if a US-based Turkish NGO has an "Agency Endowment" Fund under TPF, donors can contribute to that fund as well.

How does TPF make sure my donation reaches the right need and organization?

TPF makes sure that donors' dollars are not lost in transition. TPF ensures that at least 97% of donors' contributions reach the specific causes by:

    * Working closely with grantee organizations.
    * Making sure recipient organizations are effectively monitored.
    * Encouraging grantees to think about evaluation and the impact of their projects on the community.

What is TPF’s approach to making grants?

TPF understands that it has the responsibility to re-grant any unrestricted funds contributed to social needs fund in the most effective way. These grants are particularly important in the growth of the nonprofit sector in Turkey. Therefore, TPF developed a grant making philosophy that reflects the values and vision of the organization. Following a rigorous evaluation process, TPF supports projects that:

1.     Have the potential to expand beyond their current boundaries

2.     Have a variety of funding sources and use our support as a leverage to obtain others

3.     Are financially reliable and accountable

4.     Are community-oriented

5.     Can create long-lasting change to social problems

6.     Empower people

TPF also advises named fund owners in their selections if they wish to. Read more on Our Grantmaking Criteria.

Can I visit projects that TPF supports?

If you are a named fund donor of TPF, yes! One of the best ways to see the impact that TPF is making is to see in person the projects we support. If you would like to join us for a site visit, please send an email it to info@tpfund.org at least 6 weeks in advance of your planned date. We will follow up on your request as soon as possible.