In a collaborative effort to address urgent environmental challenges in the earthquake-stricken regions of Hatay, Adana, and Mersin in Turkey, three prominent organizations have come together to launch a grant program to restore coastal and marine landscapes and foster sustainable food systems. The partnership between Turkish Philanthropy Funds, Turkey Mozaik Foundation, Support Foundation of Civil Society and Turquoise Coast Environment Fund of Conservation Collective is a testament to the collective commitment to restoring nature, particularly in the earthquake-affected regions of Turkey.
The grant program will mitigate the environmental impact of the twin earthquakes of February in these regions by supporting projects focused on coastal and marine landscape restoration and the development of sustainable food systems. These initiatives are of paramount importance to the affected communities as they grapple with the consequences of the disaster. By pooling their resources and expertise, these organizations will provide support to aid in the recovery and long-term sustainability of these vital areas.
The grant program is designed to support community-based organizations working in the earthquake-stricken regions of Hatay, Adana, and Mersin, addressing urgent environmental issues affecting people’s lives, and the threat to biodiversity, ecosystem services, agricultural productivity, water resources, waste management, and marine and coastal land protection. A total of $60,000 USD will be granted.
Applications will be open from 19 December 2023 until 30 January 2024. Grant announcements will be made in March 2024. For more information on the application guidelines and eligibility criteria, please visit here.
About Turkish Philanthropy Funds:
Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) is the leading U.S. community foundation for high-impact social investments dedicated to Turkish and Turkish-American communities. Since 2007, TPF has mobilised over $81 million and has invested over $38 million in grants with partners focused on addressing economic, social, and environmental needs in Turkey and around the world. By providing support to realise the philanthropic vision of individuals, families, and corporations, TPF donors and partners have reached thousands of families and directly funded over 350 projects.
About Turquoise Coast Environment Fund (TCEF) and Conservation Collective (CC):
Conservation Collective (CC) is a global network of local foundations funding effective grass-roots conservation initiatives to protect the environment, restore nature and safeguard against climate change. CC’s proven model of nimble and non-bureaucratic environmental grant giving “gets stuff done”.
The Turquoise Coast Environment Fund (TCEF), a branch of Conservation Collective (CC), was launched in March 2022 with a mission to channel funds from businesses and individuals towards the most effective nature restoration and protection initiatives in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions of Turkey. There are remarkable grassroots groups tirelessly working with minimal resources. TCEF provides them with substantial support to amplify their efforts. Following the CC model, TCEF was able to support 19 projects in its very first year. TCEF is actively involved in the change towards sustainable food systems, the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, and building of capacity for local organisations working on the sustainable future of the regions’ coastlines.
About Turket Mozaik Foundation:
Established in London in 2017, Turkey Mozaik Foundation (TMF) is a registered charity in England and Wales dedicated to empowering civil society organisations in Turkey. Focused on areas such as education, children’s rights, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and culture & arts, TMF aims to foster positive societal change. Beyond its thematic funds, TMF actively initiates Emergency Relief Funds in response to natural disasters, aiding organisations in addressing immediate, medium-term, and long-term needs. Over its initial six-year period, TMF successfully raised over £4 million and provided grant support to more than 200 projects.
