Individual Giving

As is the case globally, it is of great importance for for CSOs in Türkiye to secure their sustainability through access to diverse funding sources, allowing them to continue their work and contribute to society effectively and solution-orientedly in their respective fields. At TÜSEV, our research on civil society organizations reveals that foundations and associations are striving to diversify their income sources to ensure the continuity of their activities. These income sources can include a range of items such as membership fees, corporate donations, project-based donations, and revenues from economic enterprises. Among these, the area we focus on increasing at TÜSEV is individual donations.Since 2006, we have been monitoring individual giving and philanthropy practices in Türkiye, exploring how individuals engage with CSOs, the conditions under which individual donations occur, and key factors that may influence the relationship between individuals and civil society organizations. We compile the findings into a report titled Individual Giving and Philanthropy in Türkiye, published every three years. Based on the data from this report, we initiate actions to promote individual giving in Türkiye and work towards establishing a supportive infrastructure for encouraging philanthropy. Additionally, to help embed a culture of individual giving that centers on civil society organizations, we adapt and implement methods and mechanisms that encourage donations in a way that is suitable for the local culture.

Individual Giving and Philanthropy in Türkiye 2015 Report presents the results of a survey conducted in 68 provinces of Türkiye with the participation of 2,495 respondents. Under the headings of Social Capital and Civil Society, Perception of the Concept of Philanthropy, Individual Giving in Türkiye, the report provides up-to-date information and data on direct aid to those in need, donations to civil society organisations and participation in their activities.

Author: Ali Çarkoğlu, Selim Erdem Aytaç

Individual Giving and Philanthropy in Türkiye Executive Summary