HARNESSING THE POWER OF GLOBAL COMMUNITIES TO CREATE IMPACT
Giving Circles are the heartbeat of BTF’s grassroots movement. These dedicated groups of friends, families, and colleagues come together to raise funds for projects in Türkiye — hosting community events, organizing online fundraisers, and inspiring others to give. Every dollar they collect goes directly to life-changing initiatives, from rebuilding classrooms and funding scholarships to providing vital healthcare for children in need. Together, Giving Circles prove that when communities unite, their impact multiplies.
Discover the inspiring stories of our Giving Circles on this page, or reach out to learn how we can help you start your own.
Prefer to begin on a smaller scale? Launching an online fundraiser is a simple, powerful first step and we’ll guide you through every part of the process.
Since BTF’s earliest days, Middle East Technical University (METU) alumni have been a driving force in expanding educational opportunity across Türkiye. Together, they have funded scholarships for hundreds of university students, ensuring that talent is never held back by financial barriers. After the 2023 Türkiye earthquakes, METU alumni also stepped forward to help rebuild the İskenderun Technical University Vocational School campus, restoring hope where it was lost. Through creative fundraising efforts—from runs and marathons to picnics and community gatherings—their collective generosity has touched the lives of thousands of students nationwide, turning alumni pride into lasting impact.
In San Diego, California, Seçkin Öztürk and Arzu Göçmen have turned their love of baking into a powerful force for change. Since 2020, their homemade Turkish simit and sourdough bread have both delighted neighbors and fueled opportunity. By selling their baked goods, the San Diego Bakers generate enough funding to provide 12 to 15 university scholarships for girls in Türkiye every year, opening doors to education and brighter futures. What began as a passion for baking has become a grassroots movement of generosity, proving that even the simplest ingredients can rise into something extraordinary.
Launched in 2014 by BTF’s Chicago Circle, Cinema4aCause harnesses the power of film to spotlight issues of gender and education inequality in rural Türkiye. More than a screening series, it has become a platform for meaningful dialogue—bringing communities together to reflect, discuss, and take action. Every ticket sold and every conversation sparked helps fund education, and to date, Cinema4aCause has generated scholarships for more than 400 girls in Türkiye. By turning stories on screen into real opportunities off screen, this program proves that cinema can be a catalyst for lasting change.
In the United Kingdom, the BTF UK Circle brings people together through culture, friendship, and a shared commitment to giving back. Through special events such as the memorable piano recital by world-renowned pianist Gülsin Onay in Cambridge, the circle creates meaningful moments that connect communities while supporting students in Türkiye. Each event becomes more than a gathering—it becomes a way to transform appreciation for music, art, and togetherness into educational opportunity and lasting impact. With every new event, the BTF UK Circle continues to grow as a heartfelt community built on generosity, connection, and hope.
BECOME A SUPPORTER
Let’s build bridges of kindness with Türkiye!
Join Bridge to Turkiye Fund’s community of over 40,000 passionate supporters committed to improving the future prospects of children and youth in Turkiye.