These challenges are deeply interconnected. Yet too often, employment support, emotional wellbeing, and parenting resources are addressed separately, limiting their long-term effectiveness and sustainability.

At TPF, we believe that investing in single mothers creates multi-generational change.  Strengthening women’s economic stability not only advances their financial independence, but also improves children’s educational outcomes, emotional wellbeing, and long-term opportunity.

The TPF Single Mothers Fund is a dedicated fund housed at TPF that mobilizes philanthropic capital to provide strategic grants to carefully selected nonprofit partners across Türkiye. Through close collaboration with trusted local organizations, the Fund supports integrated, community-based programs that combine economic empowerment, psychosocial support, parenting resources, and access to professional networks.

TPF works in partnership with experienced grantee organizations—leveraging their on-the-ground expertise while providing strategic oversight, funding, and long-term vision. Together, we aim to support single mothers and their families as they move from vulnerability toward stability and resilience.

We invite you to learn more about TPF’s Single Mothers Fund and the collaborative model developed with five partner NGOs—each contributing deep experience and a shared commitment to expanding opportunity for single mothers across Türkiye—joined by participating partners and the visionary donor behind the Single Mothers Fund, Seray İncoğlu.

Featured Speakers:

Seray İncoğlu, TPF Board Member
Meltem Cantürk, AÇEV
Ebru Pek, YenidenBiz Derneği 
Yeşim Seviğ, KAGIDER
Serap Yelkenci, Bekar Anneler Derneği 
T. Zeynep Yüregir, MaviKalem Derneği 

Bekar Anneler Derneği:

Bekar Anneler Derneği works to empower single mothers by providing social support networks, advocacy, and resources that help women navigate caregiving, employment, and financial challenges while strengthening community ties.

Kadın Girişimciler Derneği (KAGIDER):

KAGIDER supports women entrepreneurs across Türkiye, creating opportunities for economic independence. Through mentorship, training, and networking, the organization helps single mothers develop skills, access professional networks, and build sustainable livelihoods.

MaviKalem Derneği:

Mavi Kalem Derneği provides psychosocial support and educational programs for women and children. By fostering emotional wellbeing and life skills, the organization helps single mothers and their families build resilience and confidence.

Anne Çocuk Eğitim Vakfı (AÇEV):

AÇEV focuses on early childhood and parenting education, equipping mothers with tools to support their children’s learning and development. Through workshops, counseling, and community programs, the organization strengthens family stability and long-term opportunity.

YenidenBiz Derneği:

YenidenBiz Derneği helps women regain economic and social independence after caregiving or personal setbacks. Through skills training, community engagement, and empowerment initiatives, the organization supports single mothers in rebuilding their lives and creating sustainable futures.

We look forward to seeing you there, on Wednesday, July 17th, 2024 at 1PM EST.

RSVP

Discover how women’s involvement in these fields is not just breaking barriers but paving the way for a future where empowerment and equality are the norms. This dynamic discussion will explore how women are reshaping cultural narratives, advancing scientific innovation, and redefining athletic excellence. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate achievements, address challenges, and inspire the next generation of women to pursue their passions fearlessly.

We look forward to seeing you there!

RSVP

On this International Women’s Day, we are pleased to announce that we are committing $1M in funding to women’s organizations in the wake of the recent earthquakes that devastated our community.

As we work to rebuild and recover from this tragedy, we recognize that women and girls are often disproportionately affected and are facing more challenges. We are committed to addressing these issues by supporting organizations that provide relief to women in need. Our funding will go to organizations that are dedicated to providing assistance in the areas of empowerment, health, education, and economic empowerment.

The $1M in funding will be distributed among Cagdas Yasami Destekleme Dernegi, Anne Cocuk Egitim Vakfi, KAMER Vakfi, Koruncuk Vakfi, Suna’nin Kizlari, and Turkiye Kadın Dernekleri Federasyonu. These organizations are doing vital work to support the unique needs of women and girls impacted by the earthquake, and we are proud to stand with them in this effort. 

At Turkish Philanthropy Funds, we believe that women are powerful agents of change. Investing in their empowerment is critical to creating a more just and equitable world for all. We are honored to support the incredible work of these organizations in our community.

Please join us in our commitment to women’s empowerment and disaster relief. Together, we can create a world that is more just, more equitable, and more resilient.

Thank you for your continued support of TPF and TPF partners.

TPF’s $1 million funding will support the following programs:

• $500,000 to Cagdas Yasami Destekleme Dernegi (CYDD) in support of female college students who the earthquakes have impacted. 
  • A minimum of 200 female college students will be supported with scholarships, laptops, Internet, and accommodations over the next 4-years.

• $161,000 to Suna’nin Kizlari to build and operate a Children’s Community Center in one of the cities that are the hardest hit, i.e., Adiyaman, Hatay, and Kahramanmaras, for girls ages 11-18. 
  • The Community Center will operate seven days a week between 9:00 – 18:00 hours. It will also provide additional services for three days in the evenings (19:00 – 21:00).
  • The center will provide programs for all children cooperating with Suna’nin Kizlari NGO participants. Including individual psychological support through licensed adolescent and child therapists, meetings and sessions with immediate caregivers (mothers or female relatives), and semi-structured events for socializing such as movie screenings, reading hours, publishing and creative writing, social media, arts and culture activities, and sports workshops. 

• $100,540 to Anne Cocuk Egitim Vakfi to provide early childhood development play boxes to children and their families. 
  • The grant will support producing and distributing of 1,600 of ACEV’s early childhood development play boxes. ACEV will respond to young children who have lost all their toys and educational materials. These boxes include toys and stimulating activities to help them settle into their new homes and begin early learning activities. These boxes aim to help caregivers with the needs of young children and guide them to re-focus children on their development.

• $100,000 to Kadin Merkez Vakfi (KAMER) to establish laundromats and shower cabins in Adiyaman. 
  • This container will also be outfitted with basic amenities of 2,000 hygiene kits and 2,000 food packages, as well as provide counseling and legal services giving a secure and welcoming environment for women in need.

• $81,000 to Koruncuk Vakfi to create safe spaces for 100 girls in  KoruncukKoy . 
  • Koruncuk is opening its doors of its student dormitory without waiting for the new academic year to accommodate 100 girls in  KoruncukKoy facilities in Istanbul and Izmir. 
  • The grant will cover the expenses of children’s immediate basic needs and the reintegration process for one year. 
  • The grant will cover the cost of school fees, academic support courses, sports, and art activities, health-related expenses, books, and stationery, and clothing. 

• $60,000 to Turkiye Kadin Dernekleri Federasyonu to establish safe spaces for women and children in the region. 
  • The grant will support establishing one Purple Women and Children Safe Space, creating safe spaces for women and girls in container and tent cities. The color purple was selected so women and girls could easily find these spaces. 
  • The space will have three separate areas: One child-friendly space, one nursing space, and one primary healthcare service space to create a holistic support mechanism for survivors and offer a sense of community and connection, helping women and girls feel less isolated and vulnerable. 

New York, NY (June 23, 2022) – Turkish Philanthropy Funds is proud to announce the recipients of the 2022 Educ8 Program: Duygu Göksoy, Sena Altun, Büşra Gül Murat, and İpek Hanife Yılmaz. These young women have great potential, and we’re honored that with your help, we will be helping them unlock it.

In 2014, with the leadership of TPF donor Günay Aksoy, TPF embarked on a journey to support young women to realize their potential despite their background, economic status, and gender. In partnership with Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği (ÇYDD), the initiative provides scholarships to 4-5 students to attend a month-long program in London or New York every year. During the program, the students learn English, engage with mentors in their field of studies, and meet role models in companies such as Google, Facebook, and Chobani. The program will take place in London this year.

This year we are excited to see five more talented young women embark on this journey. The impact of the program is beyond English language education. Program’s leader at ÇYDD, Güldal Ebeoğlu, remarks, “We have chosen Duygu, Sena, Büşra, and İpek among 459 applicants to participate in the EDUC8 2022 program in London this summer. The program will improve their English speaking skills. Yet, the program’s impact is beyond English education. During their one month in London, these women will spend time with mentors, practice English with native speakers, and leverage the cultural atmosphere of London from visiting museums to going to concerts and shows.” This approach transforms the lives of bright and incredible young women immensely.

“Educ8 fundamentally addresses women’s empowerment. It may look like an opportunity to study English with native speakers, but it really is a program to empower these young women to realize their full potential. When we help train, prepare and support young women to thrive in different ways, they foster a value that can simultaneously promote economic success and social progress. We are grateful to Günay for her leadership and to our partner, ÇYDD, for contributing to a different narrative about how we can address women empowerment,” says Senay Ataselim Yılmaz, TPF’s Executive Director.

About The Educ8 Program:
In 2014, we embarked on a journey to help young women realize their potential despite their background, economic status, and gender. After seeing several young women from Turkey with financial difficulties complete the Educ8 Program for a month in NY or London, we realized the program’s impact was beyond English language education. Together, we were able to transform the lives of bright and unique young women and touched the lives of many others involved in this program. During the month-long program, these women studied English, spent time with mentors in their fields of study, practiced English with native speakers, and participated in field trips organized by our volunteers from different cultures and backgrounds. Everyone involved in this program made a huge difference in these young women’s lives and helped expand their horizons and realize their potential.

About Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF):
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 mobilized over $50M and invested over $26M in grants with partners focused on addressing economic, education, gender equality, and social and environmental needs in Turkey and worldwide. TPF donors and partners have reached thousands of families and directly funded over 300 projects by providing support to realize the philanthropic vision of individuals, families, and corporations.

Learn More about the Educ8 Program

View Educ8 2021 Impact Report

Sena Eken Schieber was born in İstanbul in 1949. After graduating from Robert College in Turkey, she did her graduate studies in England and received her Ph.D. in economics from the University of Pittsburgh. She married George Schieber in 1976. Sena had a long and distinguished career in the International Monetary Fund (IMF), during which she took a leave of absence to be an Advisor to the Governor of the Central Bank of Turkey in 1987. She had worked on IMF programs in numerous countries, many in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, and at the time of her retirement, was the highest-ranking Turkish national in the IMF.

We are looking for strong and motivated Turkish women to follow in Sena Eken Schieber’s footsteps to be successful economists. If you think that you, or someone you know, qualify for this opportunity, apply now or share this message!

Applications will be accepted through March 1, 2022. Scholarship recipients will be announced later in the Spring of 2022. Application is available to women in Turkey interested in studying economics in the U.S.

Visit here for further information and read the stories of the 2021-22 Awardees for inspiration here.

LEARN MORE & APPLY NOW!

We are looking for MENTORS in STEM
to pair up with young women in Turkey.

Turkish Philanthropy Funds is proud to partner with the Million Women Mentor Program (Milyon Kadına Mentor) in Turkey.  The program gives young Turkish women a chance to team up with mentors who can guide them in pursuing their professional careers. The goal is to curate 1,000,000 mentoring relationships over the next ten years.

We are proud to be a part of an initiative that continues to motivate young Turkish women.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor please submit your application here by selecting Turkish Philanthropy Funds as your supporting organization. Click on “My Institution is Attending – I want to be a mentor.”

About the Program

The Million Women Mentor Program is a mentoring program that aims to bring together young women (15-25 years old) and industry leaders working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields through a digital platform.

The program was organized by Ümran Beba (Founder, Beba Foundation and Partner, August Leadership) and Canan Özsoy (CEO of GE Turkey) under the leadership of the project stakeholders TurkishWIN and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB).

Bringing STEMconnector’s global experience and TurkishWIN’s extensive mentor and mentee network together with its digital platform BinYaprak, the program is realized with the contributions of its founding supporters Beba Foundation, Limak Holding, Logo Software, and PepsiCo Turkey, and Petrol Ofisi.

Become A Mentor Today!

Million Women Mentor Instructions 

1. Visit: https://binyaprak.com/milyonkadinamentor
2. Scroll and click on Kurumum Katiliyor – Mentor Olmak Istiyorum
3. Click Yes or No for if you’re already a part of Bin Yaprak
4. Follow Steps 1- 6
5. In Step 2 (Kurumunuzu Seçin) Select Turkish Philanthropy Funds
6. Complete and Check E-mail for Login

Four Inspiring Young Women from Turkey are Recipients of the Prestigious

Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award

New York, NY (April 30th, 2021) – Turkish Philanthropy Funds is proud to announce the 2021 Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award recipients: Bihter Erbaş, Müge Önder, Nezihat Bengisu Kaynar, and Serra Güllü.

The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award continues to be the only award earmarked for young women from Turkey to obtain graduate degrees in the field of Economics in the United States. “We have an exceptional group of highly motivated, talented, and forward-looking young women, all of whom are focused on achieving their full potentials in order to maximize their contributions to society. I am proud to assist them in enhancing their personal and professional skills in making the world a better place for everyone. Sena would have been very pleased for these impressive young women to have the educational and cultural opportunities that so benefited her,” says Dr. George Schieber, Sena’s husband, and a former World Bank Economist.

Each year at TPF, we get to meet new inspiring young women who are excited to embark on furthering their education and careers. “This year’s scholarship recipients are four incredible young women who amazed us all with their maturity, intelligence, and standing in life. Theirs are stories of opportunity, resilience, persistence, and hope. Once again, we couldn’t be more proud to see that through the Sena Eken Schieber Award, TPF creates more inclusion and impacts lives in significant ways. We are grateful to George Schieber for his generous contribution that enables TPF to be doing this work,” says Dr. Senay Ataselim-Yilmaz, TPF’s Executive Director.

The scholarship is designed to encourage and support outstanding female students with financial challenges to pursue graduate degrees in Economics in the U.S. Sena Eken Schieber has been a role model that these aspiring economists look up to. Bihter Erbaş who will be studying at the University of Chicago noted how she regards “this scholarship not only as a great honor, but also a commitment to put my skills, experience, and knowledge to the best use.” Serra Güllü, getting ready for a Master’s at the Duke University, expressing her gratitude says, “It is not enough for me to put into words how grateful and honored I am to be awarded this scholarship that will completely change my life.” Nezihat Bengisu Kaynar, sharing her excitement to have the opportunity to study at Columbia University noted how the scholarship provided “unique support for many female economist students like me to achieve their dreams and ideals.”  Emphasizing the equal opportunity provided by the award, Müge Önder who will be studying at Boston University says “it would have been just a dream for me to study at one of the best schools in the U.S. if I were not supported by this award.”

The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award is offered to dedicated female students on the basis of personal commitment, academic merit, professional and personal references, and financial need after a competitive selection process each year. Sena’s niece, Esra Krause, who serves on the selection committee commented on this year’s recipients, “Impressive! That’s the word I would use to describe this year’s scholarship recipients. Their desire to learn, grow and better themselves is remarkable, and I am so glad that this scholarship allows them the opportunity to make their wishes come true. Congratulations!”

TPF Board Member and member of the Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship selection committee, Dr. Nakiye Boyacıgiller noted that the selection process inspires her every year, “Scholarships change lives. As I looked into the eyes of several of our outstanding candidates, I couldn’t help but think about my late father, Oğuz Avdan. An intelligent and industrious student of modest means in 1937 who received a full scholarship to study in the U.S., graduating to become one of Turkey’s first petroleum engineers. I have no doubt but that this changed not only his future but that of our entire extended family as well.”

About The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award and Sena Eken Schieber
The Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award is supported by the Eken Schieber Scholarship Fund at Turkish Philanthropy Funds. The fund was established by Sena’s husband, George Schieber, to celebrate Sena Eken Schieber’s life, and continue her legacy as a pioneering international civil servant, Turkish Government official, economist, and role model for many women. Sena was not only a highly competent, hard-working, and successful professional, but also a wonderful wife, a caring and dedicated sister, aunt, family member, friend, and mentor. She was known as an inspirational leader who lived life to the fullest. The scholarship supports young women from Turkey from low-income families to pursue graduate degrees in economics in the United States. The Sena Eken Schieber Scholarship program was established in 2015 and to date has funded some 10 very deserving young Turkish women for master’s degrees and Ph.Ds in accredited U.S. graduate economics programs including the University of Chicago, Columbia, and Duke University.

About Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF)
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 mobilized over $46M and has invested over $25M in grants with partners focused on addressing economic, education, gender equality, social and environmental needs in Turkey and around the world. By providing support to realize the philanthropic vision of individuals, families, and corporations, TPF donors and partners have reached thousands of families and directly funded over 200 projects.

For more information about the application process for the 2022 Award cycle or other philanthropic accounts at TPF, please visit our website, localhost/tpfund/.

Sena Eken Schieber Economics Award

Happy International Women’s Day! At TPF we once again #ChooseToChallenge because from challenge comes change.

Turkish Philanthropy Funds is proud to support programs that continue to empower young women and girls. International Women’s Day is a chance to both celebrate the women leaders in our community and to inspire young girls to create a better, more inclusive world. It’s been shown that increasing women’s and girls’ educational attainment, economic empowerment; and employment and leadership opportunities all contribute to more inclusive economic growth and diversification.

Photo Credit: Maya Foundation

At TPF we are committed to doing more to incorporate gender diversity into every aspect of our lives. As TPF’s Executive Director, Senay Ataselim-Yilmaz aptly put it, “We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality, and together help create an inclusive world.” So, we invite you to join us once again to #ChooseToChallenge.

On March 6th, our Color Turkey Winter 2021 panel discussed the changes we are embarking on in advancing education through technology. We are looking forward to further supporting women’s and girls’ educational attainment, with the proceeds of the event! Please consider lending your support. Our auction will stay open until March 21st, 10 PM EST.

Know someone interested in social impact? Please share TPF’s Color Turkey Winter 2021 event page with them, and help us grow our TPF community!

#ChooseToChallenge and Support Women's Equality!

FEATURED PANEL EDTECH & PHILANTHROPY: CRAFTING THE FUTURE

How technology and innovation can drive the future of education in Turkey and in the world. Our esteemed panelists, moderated by Deborah Quazzo, Managing Partner of GSV Advisors, will share their views on the importance of technology and the role of philanthropy in guaranteeing high-quality education, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deborah Quazzo, Managing Partner, GSV AcceleraTE – Moderator: Deborah is the Managing Partner of GSV Ventures, a venture fund investing in education and workforce skills technologies that are disrupting the $7 Trillion sector. In addition, she is Co-founder of the ASU+GSV Summit. Now in its 12th year, the ASU+GSV Summit celebrates innovations and innovators across the global “preK to Gray” learning and talent landscape and attracts over 5,500 attendees.

Eren Bali, Founder, Udemy: CEO and Co-founder of Carbon Health Eren Bali is a serial entrepreneur with a vision to democratize healthcare. Eren leads the team at Carbon Health to reimagine the healthcare experience from the ground up and make world-class care accessible to everyone. Previously, Eren paved the way to make education accessible as co-founder of Udemy, the world’s largest marketplace for online courses with over 50 million students worldwide, where he continues to serve as Chairman.

Gulay Barbarosğlu, Ph.D. General Manager, Hisar SchoolsAdvisory Council Member, American Community Schools AthensMember of Board of Trustees, Ozyegin University: Professor Gülay Barbarosoğlu was the Rector of Boğaziçi University between August 6th, 2012 and November 12th, 2016. During her career, Professor Barbarosoğlu served as the Vice-Rector for Research, as the founding Chair of Center for Disaster Management, as the Chair of Department of Industrial Engineering, as the Founding Chair of Financial Engineering at Boğaziçi University, and as the Head of the Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute. She has been the General Director of Hisar School since April 2018.

Ahmet Bozer, Advisory Board Member, Swire Coca-Cola, Board Member, Esas Holding Board Member, The Whole Coffee Company: Ahmet Bozer served as an Executive Vice President of The Coca-Cola Company until his retirement in March 2016, serving as the President of Coca-Cola International since January 1, 2013. In that position, he was responsible for all units outside North America. Ahmet began his career in 1983 as an Assistant Professor at the DeVry Institute of Technology. He joined the audit firm Coopers & Lybrand in Atlanta in 1985, serving in a variety of audit, consultancy & management roles.

Sarper Taskiran, M.D., Psychiatrist, Child Mind Institute: Sarper Taskiran, MD, is an ABPN Board-certified senior child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist at the Child Mind Institute with extensive experience diagnosing and treating the full range of psychiatric disorders. He has particular experience in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, disruptive behavior disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and mood disorders in children and adolescents.

Steven G. Seleznow, President & CEO, Arizona Community Foundation: Steven G. Seleznow is President & Chief Executive Officer of the Arizona Community Foundation, a statewide philanthropy whose mission is to lead, serve and collaborate to mobilize enduring philanthropy for a better Arizona. Seleznow earned a doctorate and master’s degree in administration, planning, and social policy from Harvard University, a Master of Arts degree from the University of Maryland, and is a magna cum laude graduate of Boston University.

Haldun Tashman, Chairman Emeritus, Turkish Philanthropy Funds: Born in Bolu, Turkey Haldun Tashman is an entrepreneur who came to the United States, after graduating from Robert College of Istanbul in 1966, to study at Columbia Business School with a Fullbright Fellowship. Upon graduation, he worked at Deloitte in New York City for two years. Tashman moved to Phoenix, Arizona and became co-owner/manager of a privately held plastics contract manufacturing company called The Tech Group, Inc. 

WATCH THE PANEL