About Us
We believe every child deserves the chance to dream beyond their circumstances and that real change happens when people come together around a shared purpose. That belief is the heartbeat of Bridge to Türkiye Fund.
We are the first U.S.-based nonprofit created exclusively to bridge philanthropic impact to children and youth in Türkiye, connecting a global community of donors, volunteers, partners, and trusted, locally led organizations to bring about life-changing impact.
From scholarships and youth health initiatives to disaster recovery and environmental sustainability, we focus on programs that strengthen local capacity and open doors for the next generation. Since 2003, we have mobilized more than $20 million in philanthropic resources to help children, youth, young people, and communities thrive.
We are here to build bridges that last and futures that are brighter because of them.
We connect communities worldwide for a brighter Türkiye, transforming goodwill into sustainable and impactful programs that improve lives.
We envision a future where new generations in Türkiye thrive with opportunity and resources, supported by the collective generosity of the global community.
We listen carefully and work closely with our donors and volunteers to align resources with real opportunities for impact through our carefully vetted, trusted partners in Türkiye.
In 2003, a group of Turkish-American volunteers gathered with a shared dream that every child in Turkiye deserves a future enriched by a quality education.
They knew that something needed to be done, and in that moment, they realized they were the spark that could ignite lasing change. Thus, Bridge to Turkiye Fund was established, a heartfelt initiative fueled by a genuine commitment to empowering young minds and giving back. Over the past two decades this inspiring journey has transformed lives.
Bridge to Turkiye Fund has grown into a trusted and recognized leading U.S. nonprofit with a vibrant community of more than 40,000 donors and 5,000 volunteers. Thanks to 23 years of unwavering generosity from our supporters, nearly 1,000,000 children and youth in Türkiye have experienced life-changing support, opening doors to brighter futures.
As part of this commitment to lasting change, Bridge to Turkiye Fund is also honored to hold consultative status with the United Nations (UN) Department of Economic and Social Affairs (ECOSOC), further strengthening our ability to advocate for and support the children and youth of Turkiye on a global scale.
1999
2003
BTF is officially registered as a 501(c)(3) U.S.-based nonprofit in North Carolina.
2004
Through its partner organization Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği, BTF awards its very first scholarship in Türkiye, marking the start of its Scholarships program.
2007
Inspired by an email from village teacher Edip Ceyhan in Bitlis, Türkiye, BTF sends its first set of educational materials to a rural classroom in need. This sparks the launch of the Adopt A Classroom in Türkiye program, now one of BTF’s signature initiatives.
2020
BTF transitions from a working board to a governing board model, bringing on professional staff to strengthen its impact.
2023
In response to urgent needs following the February 6th Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, BTF expands its focus areas to include disaster management, youth health & well-being, and environmental sustainability.
2024
BTF surpasses $20 million in philanthropic resources, fueling hundreds of civil society initiatives and community-driven projects across Türkiye.
2025
Trust and accountability are the cornerstones of our work. At BTF, we operate with utmost transparency, openly sharing our decisions, actions, and measurable outcomes. We take responsibility for every step we take, ensuring our donors, partners, and communities can trust us to deliver on our promises with integrity and honesty.
We are committed to delivering programs that create the greatest possible impact for Türkiye’s communities. With a focus on excellence, we continuously raise the bar, optimize resources, and embrace innovation to achieve more with less. We don’t just aspire to make a difference, we aim to always be better at getting better!
Our mission is guided by the needs of Türkiye’s future generations, free from external biases or influences. We act with impartiality and independence, ensuring every decision is rooted in fairness and focused solely on delivering meaningful support to those we serve.
Our donors are at the heart of everything we do. We strive to exceed their expectations by listening to their needs, adapting to their feedback, and creating moments of joy through meaningful engagement. Together, we build impactful connections that inspire generosity and drive change.
& Humility
Grassroots communities are the backbone of our mission. By fostering collaboration and listening to local voices, we create a network of passionate supporters driving sustainable change from the ground up. We work with humility, knowing we don’t have all the answers but can find solutions together. Through partnerships across borders and cultures, we amplify our collective impact.
JOIN THE COMMUNITY
Bridging to Brighter Futures!
Let's build bridges of kindness with Türkiye! Join us and help change lives for children and youth in Türkiye.