Turkiye Earthquake Relief Efforts

Dear TPF Donors,

We extend our deepest gratitude to you once again for your generous and continous support of the Turkish Philanthropy Funds' Earthquake Fund.  In the wake of the February 6th Earthquakes, Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) swiftly implemented a grantmaking strategy beyond an immediate reaction, creating a comprehensive plan to empower the affected communities. Our grants to date have been focused on local empowerment and equity. We actively engaged with and listened to the voices of disaster- affected communities and organizations serving on the front lines. We prioritized organizations championing equal opportunities, especially for marginalized and at-risk populations. Our aim has been precise: to ensure that recovery benefits reach every individual, leaving no one behind and your support has been instrumental in ensuring that.

We actively engaged with and listened to the voices of disaster-affected communities and the organizations serving on the front lines, shaping our response to meet their needs effectively. TPF remains steadfast in its commitment to the long-term resilience and holistic well-being of communities impacted by the earthquakes. We are excited to share with you our long-term strategy for the recovery period, which encompasses two pivotal phases:

1. Supporting Newly Established Living Spaces: Our initial focus is on nurturing and sustaining the living spaces created post-earthquake, ensuring they contribute positively to the well-being of their inhabitants.

2. Revitalizing Cities Economically: Subsequently, we aspire to see these living spaces transition into catalysts for urban revitalization and economic resurgence.

Along with this vision, we have developed a comprehensive long-term strategy to continue addressing the region’s needs. Recognizing that proper recovery demands ongoing support and long-term solutions, we continue to make grants, including continued grant provision up to $50,000, which is also open to non-TPF partners. We seek to continue assisting NGOs in the region dedicated to helping earthquake survivors in areas that may not have received full recognition during our needs analysis. We have allocated a total of $1 million for this purpose.

Our vision is to see these communities not just survive but thrive, becoming self-reliant entities filled with vibrancy and life. Through long-term funding via invitation-only grants, we strive to ensure efficient and impactful fund use, foster strong partnerships, and increase the likelihood of sustainable outcomes. We are intensely focused on transforming post-earthquake areas into thriving communities by introducing innovative mechanisms and imparting skills necessary for self-sustenance and economic independence.

On this end, we have partnered with four long-term funding partners specializing in economic recovery (Needs Map), empowerment of girls (Suna'nin Kizlari/Suna's Girls), support for children with disabilities (Çukurova University Child Wellness Center), and providing social recovery and psychological support to students affected by the earthquake (Community Volunteers Foundation).

Based on our regular site visits, partner reports, and impact evaluations over the last months, we have prioritized channeling grants into critical areas focusing on the empowerment of women, children, and youth, as follows:

• Psycho-Social Support: To foster resilience, empowering individuals and communities to recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the disaster.
• Economic Development (preferably through Cultural Heritage Preservation): To stimulate economic growth while reinforcing communal identity and resilience.
• Education - Traditional and Life Skills: To equip younger generations with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to thrive in the 21st century and contribute to their community’s resilience and development.
• Children with Disabilities: To ensure children who lost their limbs receive tailored medical treatments and inclusive rehabilitation programs, bolstering their journey towards self-sufficiency, mobility, and empowerment that will outlast the effects of the earthquakes.

Once again, we thank you for your unwavering support. Your contributions have made a significant impact, and we look forward to your continued support as we work towards the long-term recovery and thriving of earthquake-affected communities.

With gratitude,

Team TPF

Links:

• TPF Turkiye Earthquake Relief Fund 1st Anniversary Impact Report
• Antakya Civilizations Choir Impact Video
• AKUT Foundation Impact Video