Donor Stories

The Journey of Education A Giving Story of Lale and Tunç Doluca Through the years, the Doluca family has given to many organizations in the U.S. and Turkey. As their success grew, Lale and Tunç discussed how to use their good fortune to benefit others, especially in their native country where they were born and […]

INSPIRING GIVING – FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION  Zeynep Oğuz Bilimer’s journey in philanthropy began at an early age as she grew up in a family dedicated to giving back. For her family, philanthropy and serving the community have been at the forefront for generations. Zeynep reflected on her family’s generosity, especially in the community she grew […]

Burcu and Mete Tuncel understand the value of giving back to their community. They have been devoted philanthropists and TPF donors for several years. Their involvement with Turkish Philanthropy Funds began through Burcu’s connection to Tashman family as the 2004 recipient of the Tashman Fellowship for her MBA degree at Columbia University but continued with […]

Nil and Bahadir Onalan are known best for their philanthropy in their immediate community. “Our motivation in asking our friends and family to join us in our giving is to share this feeling of happiness of knowing you’re making a lasting impact on someone else’s life. If you truly want to be happy in your life, make someone […]

Voices of Partners began as an alternative to in-person gatherings amidst the Covid-19 pandemic but has become a part much more than that now. It has become a program that further bonds TPF to its valuable partners on the field. Through this program, we are able to bring the voices of our partners to our […]

George Schieber didn’t know much about Turkey when he first met Sena Eken in 1976. She was a graduate student in economics at the University of Pittsburgh. After meeting Sena, George became interested in learning more about the culture, customs, and values of Turkey, a country whose compelling history was hardly the centerpiece of America’s […]

When her husband and Dilek Anderson got married, they knew would eventually need to make a decision as to where they will create their family home. He was a Microsoft employee and Seattle resident, and she was an attorney and Izmir resident. Dilek decided to remain in their home in Izmir with her daughter, and […]