IMPACT AREAS

SOCIAL & ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT

THE CHALLENGE

Despite periods of economic growth, Türkiye continues to grapple with deep and persistent social and economic inequalities. Poverty affects 14.4% of the population, with children disproportionately impacted—one in three grows up in poverty compared to 17.2% of adults. Economic instability and high inflation have pushed more families into hardship, forcing many children to leave school to work. Income inequality is widening: the top 20% of earners take home nearly half of the nation’s income, while the poorest 20% receive less than 6%. Although poverty rates fell from over 20% in 2007 to 7.6% by 2021, recent economic shocks have reversed progress, leaving marginalized communities with limited access to decent work, sustainable livelihoods, and the resources needed to break the cycle of poverty.

WHAT WE DO

READY TO TAKE ACTION?

Asset 25 (2)Asset 26 (2)

  • Empower Girls in Hatay with Bicycles - Mavi Kalem

    Strong Pedals empowers adolescent girls in post-earthquake Hatay by providing bicycles, creating opportunities for mobility, independence, and outdoor activity. Your support helps these girls gain freedom, confidence, and safe spaces to play, socialize, and thrive despite the ongoing challenges of displacement and recovery.

    Social & Economic Development
    $1,524 USD / $10,000 USD
  • BBV - Cultivating Young Entrepreneurs in Bolu

    Help young minds in Bolu discover entrepreneurship early. Your donation builds skills that last a lifetime and strengthen the community.

    Social & Economic Development
    $0 USD / $100,000 USD
  • Be a Guardian: Give Refugee Children the Tools to Learn - ARSA

    No child should be left behind. The Afghan Refugees Solidarity Association (ARSA) is ensuring that refugee children in Turkey have the tools they need for education. Through the No Child Left Without a Backpack campaign, we provide school bags filled with stationery, uniforms, and tutoring support—helping children thrive academically and build a brighter future.

    Social & Economic Development
    $0 USD / $170,000 USD
  • Empower a Child With School and Hygiene Essentials - Support to Life

    Every child deserves a childhood filled with learning, health, and hope. Yet thousands of children in Turkey are forced into labor, missing school and essential opportunities for growth. The OKI and HIJI Project gives these children a second chance. Each child receives two backpacks: OKI backpacks filled with school supplies to reconnect with education, and HIJI backpacks containing hygiene essentials for healthy development. With your support, we can reach 250 children, helping them return to school, regain confidence, and reclaim their rights to a happy and healthy childhood.

    Social & Economic Development
    $0 USD / $10,000 USD
  • Give Young Graduates a Fair Start-  Esas Sosyal

    Many young graduates in Türkiye, especially from second-tier universities, struggle to find paid work after finishing their studies. Limited internships, scarce networks, and lack of career guidance leave talented youth with few opportunities. Esas Sosyal’s programs provide scholarships, mentorship, training, and internships to help first-generation university graduates gain skills, experience, and confidence to secure meaningful employment. With your support, more young people can overcome barriers, find work they deserve, and build brighter futures.

    Social & Economic Development
    $27,356 USD / $35,000 USD

STORIES

  • November 23, 2025

    Weaving Art, Memory, and Hope


    Hüsamettin Koçan was born in a remote village 45 kilometers from Bayburt, where life was defined by hard work and resilience. Raised by his mother in this rugged..

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  • November 23, 2025

    You Can Be in the Olympics — as a Supporter!


    At just 17, Derin Deniz Sorguç is already making history for Türkiye. She began her sporting journey with horse riding and skiing, but it was kiteboarding that truly..

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  • November 22, 2025

    From Streets to Treats


    A year ago, Türkiye introduced the “Animal Protection Law,” allowing stray animals to be collected and placed in shelters. Yet the reality has proven challenging. While shelter capacity..

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  • November 20, 2025

    What power does a scholarship hold?


    What power does a scholarship hold? More than we can imagine. Even a modest stipend for a high school student can change the course of a life. It can enable a young woman..

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  • January 23, 2024

    Carrying Forward Zehra Taşman’s Legacy


    Nearly a decade ago, Sibel unlocked the door to a modest beauty center in Bolu, a quiet city ringed by forests and mountains. What began as a means of livelihood soon..

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