Portraits of Turkey: Images of a land and its people.Portraits of Turkey: Images of a land and its people.Portraits of Turkey: Images of a land and its people.Portraits of Turkey: Images of a land and its people.
 
 

Grants Awarded 2008 To Date

 
Grant Recipient/
City Based In
Project Description Amount
Amargi Women’s Cooperative
İstanbul, Turkey
Funds will be used for the meeting of Women Readers and Writers, a project thats aim is to raise the visibility of feminist authors and scholars and to strengthen their connection with the women’s movement. The Amargi bookstore will serve as the site for nearly 18 meetings of Turkey’s leading writers and scholars, resulting in three publications under the following headings: literature, feminist research and scholarship, and writers of the past.

$26,050
Anadolu Kültür
İstanbul, Turkey
Support for “A Glance at History Films of Turkey and Armenia: How Cinema Deals with History,” a collaboration between Anadolu Kültür and the Yerevan-based Golden Apricot International Film Festival. A group of young filmmakers and cultural critics from Turkey and Armenia will participate in a series of seminars and workshops during the İstanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts Film Festival in April 2008, to be followed by a corresponding program in Yerevan.
 
$18,090
Anadolu Kültür
İstanbul, Turkey
Support for the 2008 program of the Diyarbakır Art Center (DAC), organized under the theme of "Squeezed Dialogues," which calls into question the conditions of multi-lingualism, co-existence, and cultural production in areas facing socio-cultural, economic, and political difficulties. The program includes activities in a range of areas: photography and art exhibitions, theater and film productions, film and creative writing workshops, and a series of seminars on the theme of "Squeezed Dialogues."
 
$25,270
Anadolu Kültür
İstanbul, Turkey
Funds will used to host a meeting of arts organizations from the Balkans, Middle East, and Caucasus. This group will serve as the Steering Committee for the Tobacco Warehouse, a new arts centre being established by Anadolu Kültür in İstanbul, thats aim is to intensify and deepen dialogue with cultural actors in the region and serve as a point of facilitation, coordination, information, and knowledge for cultural groups seeking to engage on a regional basis.
 
$7,117
Association of Contemporary Performing Arts Initiative (ACPAI)
İstanbul, Turkey
Support for a series of capacity building workshops during which issues of cultural management and arts education will be addressed. ACPAI is an independent network of performance artists that aims to establish the appropriate conditions for the production of "works" that investigate contemporary means of expression, to participate in the structuring and implementation of cultural policies at a public level, and to make use of the transformative power of arts as means of social and community development; therefore, contributing to the development of civil society.
 
$6,712
Development Centre Association
Diyarbakır, Turkey
Additional funds for the second year of the Project for Capacity Enhancement in Rural Areas, a three-year rural development initiative managed by the Development Centre. Four low-income villages in the immediate vicinity of Diyarbakır are the sites of an extensive program combining technical assistance, coaching, and training towards developing a sustainable model to improve quality of life in rural areas. $20,813
Development Centre Association
Diyarbakır, Turkey
Support for an international convening on rural development to take place in Diyarbakir in March 2008. The aim of this meeting is to understand Turkish and European experiences in rural development in order to develop and foster new strategies on addressing the needs of rural areas.
 
$9,562
Grantmakers Without Borders
Boston, MA USA
Grantmakers Without Borders (GWoB) is a funders' network committed to increasing grantmaking for international societal change. The Chrest Foundation made a donation to GWoB for general purposes use.
 
$2,000
İstanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İFCA)
İstanbul, Turkey
Support for an Evaluation and Assessment of Anadolu Kültür (AK) for the Years 2002-2008. This evaluation will measure both the organizational and programmatic dimensions of AK’s work over the last six years, helping to establish the extent of AK’s impact.
 
$10,425
Women for Women’s Human Rights-New Ways
İstanbul, Turkey
Support for the coordination of the Human Rights Education Program for Women, which is being carried out in partnership with the General Directorate of Social Services in Community Centres throughout Turkey. Funds will be used for the 2008 Training of Trainers meeting, a series of regional meetings to be held with trainers at the local level, and a 10th anniversary conference celebrating New Ways’ work in the field, as well as calling attention to women’s rights issues. $50,000
Women’s Solidarity Foundation (KADAV)
İstanbul, Turkey
Support for the Platform on Women’s Labor and Employment (KEIG). KEIG is a network of Turkey’s leading researchers, academics, and women’s organizations whose aim is to raise the visibility of women’s labor and draw attention to the causes of low rates of women’s employment. Through research, networking, and advocacy, KEIG hopes to generate proposals for measures that will enable women to take part in the workforce on an equitable basis. Funds will be used for Coordination and General Assembly meetings, the KEIG website, and monitoring of and participation in the EU negotiations process.
 
$49,349
 
 

Grants Awarded - 2007

 
Grant Recipient/
City Based In
Project Description Amount
Anadolu Kültür
İstanbul, Turkey
Funds will be used to support Anadolu Kültür’s continued work with the Caucasus. Two exhibitions will be held in İstanbul, both in partnership with organizations in Armenia. "Art Without Borders: An Exhibition of Contemporary Art from Armenia, Georgia, Iran, and Turkey" will be hosted by Karsi Sanat in partnership with the Armenian Center for Contemporary Experimental Art. The exhibition was directed by Edward Balassanian and curated by Sonia Balassanian. BM Suma Contemporary Art Center will host "Soviet Agitart: A Poster and Photography Collection from Armenia" in cooperation with Samvel Baghdasarayan and Armine Hovhannisyan. Funds will also be used to continue the capacity building trainings for the Diyarbakır Art Center.
$44,165
Anadolu Kültür
İstanbul, Turkey
Funds were provided for the circulation of the exhibition titled “Ebru: Reflections on Cultural Diversity in Turkey” to nine cities throughout Turkey. Artist Atilla Durak’s work consists of nearly 180 large scale photographs and a 450-page book which offers a vast and impressive presentation of Turkey’s cultural diversity. In each of the nine cities, a panel of the contributors to the book will take place, providing an opportunity for direct discussion and dialogue concerning the concepts undertaken by the exhibition.
$25,200
Anadolu Kültür
İstanbul, Turkey
Funds were provided to support “The Time is Now / Vakit Geldi,” a meeting of women activists from around Turkey concerned with developing a humane and tolerant response to increasing violence and polarization in society.
$2,000
Children Under the Same Roof Association (ÇAÇA)
Diyarbakır, Turkey
Funds were provided for Phase 2 of ÇAÇA’s activities to promote the participation of women and children in public life in the town of Mazidağı. Women will participate in a training program intended to increase their job skills. At the same time, seminars on women’s rights and business development will also take place, along with arts workshops for children.
$20,054
Development Centre Association
Diyarbakır, Turkey
Funds were provided for the second year of the Project for Capacity Enhancement in Rural Areas, a three-year rural development initiative managed by the Development Centre. Four low-income villages in the immediate vicinity of Diyarbakır are the sites of an extensive program combining technical assistance, coaching, and training towards developing a sustainable model to improve quality of life in rural areas.
 
$49,800
Development Centre Association
Diyarbakır, Turkey
Funds will be used for the project titled, “Improvement of English Language Skills in Non-Governmental Organizations.” The project aims to enhance the capacity of Chrest grantees in Diyarbakır through building competency in the English language. It is hoped that through this effort, local groups will be better able to engage with a wider range of actors in developing their programs and in sharing knowledge and expertise.
 
$26,488
Development Centre Association
Diyarbakır, Turkey
Funds were provided for the first year of a three year rural development initiative managed by the Development Centre. Four low-income villages in the immediate vicinity of Diyarbakır will be the sites of an extensive program combining technical assistance, coaching, and training towards developing a sustainable model to improve quality of life in rural areas.
 
$49,800
Filmmor Women’s Cooperative via Women Entrepreneurs Association of Turkey (KAGİDER)/Women’s Fund
İstanbul, Turkey
Funds will be used to distribute “STOP- Violence Against Women/A Film on Violence Against Women” produced by Filmmor during the “No to Violence Against Women” week beginning on November 25th. 12,000 copies of the film were distributed through mass media, while additional copies will be used by women’s organizations throughout the country.
 
$6,800
KA-MER Foundation
Diyarbakır, Turkey
Funds were given for a project to establish five sustainable childcare centers, which will promote an alternative model of pre-school education based on equality and non-violence. The overall aim is to influence childcare and teaching practices in order to break the cycle of punishment and neglect, and lift up a new generation of conscientious citizens. Madeleine Sann also contributed funds for this project.
 
$51,000
Light of Hope Women, Culture, Environment, and Management Cooperative
Diyarbakır, Turkey
Funds will be used to continue second year support for the programs of the Light of Hope children’s center in the Fatihpaşa neighborhood of Diyarbakır, an area marked by extreme poverty, lack of services, and incidences of violence. In addition to providing pre-school education to children, mothers in the neighborhood receive counseling on reproductive health matters, while a smaller group of women receive leadership training. Women will also receive literacy training. Light of Hope centers rely on mobilizing the energy and leadership of women in the immediate community, demonstrating that the most important resources more often that not, come from within the community.
 
$20,800
Social Development and Gender Equality Policies Center (SOGEP)
Ankara, Turkey
Funds will support a research effort evaluating the women’s movement and its efforts in influencing policies. Throughout the course of the research, meetings with women’s organizations will take place in the following cities: İstanbul, Ankara, Adana, Mersin, Çannakale, Diyarbakır, Van, and Urfa. The final report and conference will enable the women’s movement to develop more effective strategies around promoting policies for gender equality in Turkey.

$36,920
The Tides Center/Grantmakers Without Borders
Boston, MA USA
Grantmakers Without Borders (GWoB) is a funders' network committed to increasing grantmaking for international societal change. The Chrest Foundation made a donation to GWoB for general purposes use.
 
$500
 

Grants Awarded - 2006

 
Grant Recipient/
City Based In
Project Description Amount
Anadolu Kültür
İstanbul, Turkey
Provided funds for the “Evaluation and Assessment of KA-MER Project titled 'An Opportunity for Every Woman' in the Southeast and East Anatolia Regions.” The evaluation assessed, among other factors,  the organizational, financial, and monitoring procedures of KA-MER with the aim to enhance the impact of its expansion effort.
$9,930
Bingöl Social, Cultural, and Economic Development Association (BİN-DER)
Bingöl, Turkey
 
Provided funds to research the musical traditions of the Dengbej (troubadours who wander from village to village improvising musical verses, which often reflect the important issues of the day - love, revenge, social struggles, etc.). The BİN-DER team will seek out Dengbej who live in the Bingöl area, documenting through visual and sound recordings, their interviews with them. This material will form the basis of a publication composed of profiles of the Dengbej and examples of their verses. The Project will make a long-term contribution to the knowledge and appreciation of this important cultural tradition.
 
$18,000
Children Hand-in-Hand Association
Diyarbakır, Turkey
 
Provided funds for the second year of the Volunteer Big Brother-Big Sister Project, which targets a critical group of young people in Diyarbakır with a view to keeping them out of the streets and in school. With this year’s program, Children Hand-in-Hand will be reaching 250 children between the ages of 7 and 15. The goals of the Project are to strengthen communication skills of the participating children, to transform and change their perception and understanding of gender, and to alleviate their feelings of marginalization.
 
$29,970
Children Under the Same Roof Association (ÇAÇA) and Children Hand-in-Hand Association
Diyarbakır, Turkey
 
Provided funds for the Volunteer Big Brother-Big Sister Project based in the Ben-U-Sen neighborhood of Diyarbakır where there is an especially high concentration of children working on the street. The Project matches 10 volunteers with groups of at-risk children, who, through the course of various arts activities, develop their capacities to interact, express, and communicate in healthy ways with their environment.
 
$12,690
Children Under the Same Roof Association (ÇAÇA) and Children Hand-in-Hand Association
Diyarbakır, Turkey
 
Provided funds to organize a pilot project in the city of Mazidağı, a town of 15,000 where socio-economic conditions are particularly challenging for women. Literacy classes for women and art workshops for children will be carried out. The Project aims to enhance the self-confidence of the participants and their ability to express themselves, thereby enhancing their sense of empowerment.
 
$18,670
Cyprus Academic Forum
Nicosia, Cyprus
 
Provided funds for the Forum to host the "Cyprus Research, Translation, and Publication Project:  Modern Turkish-Cypriot Literature - Studies and Collections," led by scholar Mehmet Yashin. The Project will result in an anthology of 150 key texts in the areas of poetry, plays, short stories, the novel, memoirs and travel writing, articles and essays, and criticism and studies from the 19th and 20th centuries.  Since this will be the first major collection of Turkish-Cypriot literary works in both Turkish and English, not only does this effort make a significant contribution to the cultural heritage of Cyprus; but, it also will help to foster cultural understanding between Greek and Turkish Cypriots.
 
$19,372
Development Centre
Diyarbakır, Turkey
Provided two grants for the Indigenous Development Personnel Training Project. This comprehensive training program, implemented by the Development Centre and using a human-centered approach to development issues, will help build a group of qualified personnel to take part in the implementation of development projects in the Southeast Region of Turkey.
 
$45,039
IPS Communications Foundation
İstanbul, Turkey

Provided funds to enable journalists from around Turkey to attend IPS’s İstanbul International Independent Media Forum to be held in November 2006. The Forum will bring together media activists from around the globe to reflect on their experiences working in the field of independent journalism and provide an opportunity to strengthen regional and international networks of independent media actors. The Forum will also bring attention to the issue of the media sector in Turkey, with the aim of increasing the quantity and quality of balanced and independent media in the country.
 
$24,017
İstanbul Bilgi University
İstanbul, Turkey

This grant will support and expand upon an ongoing partnership between Bilgi University, Anadolu Kültür, and İstanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts on cultural policy in Turkey. Research will be carried out on existing policy frameworks and challenges influencing cultural life in cities across Turkey, leading to an English/Turkish publication on key aspects of cultural policy. The European Cultural Foundation is co-funding this grant in partnership with the Chrest Foundation.
 
$18,863
İstanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İFCA)
İstanbul, Turkey

Provided funds for various activities that aim to strengthen dialogue and interaction between the arts community in Cyprus and counterparts in the region. An international convening will be held in İstanbul on the state of autonomous artistic initiatives in Europe, Cyprus, and Turkey. This convening is being called together in cooperation with Platform Garanti Art Gallery. Monthly seminars, organized by the European Mediterranean Arts Association (EMAA), will be held in Cyprus, during which cultural operators and scholars from the fields of cultural heritage, contemporary arts, photography and film will be invited to Cyprus to give talks about their work.
 
$7,581
Light of Hope Women, Culture, Environment, and Management Cooperative
Diyarbakır, Turkey
Funds will be used to support the programs of the Light of Hope children’s center in the Fatihpaşa neighborhood of Diyarbakır, an area marked by extreme poverty, lack of services, and incidences of violence. In addition to providing pre-school education to children, mothers in the neighborhood receive counseling on reproductive health matters, while a smaller group of women receive leadership training. Women will also receive literacy training and a separate course will be provided for fathers as well. Light of Hope centers rely on mobilizing the energy and leadership of women in the immediate community, demonstrating that the most important resources more often that not, come from within the community.
 
$24,800
The Tides Center/Grantmakers Without Borders Boston, MA USA Grantmakers Without Borders (GWoB) is a funders' network committed to increasing grantmaking for international societal change. The Chrest Foundation made a donation to GWoB for general purposes use.
 
$500
Women Entrepreneurs Association of Turkey (KAGİDER)/Women’s Fund
İstanbul, Turkey

Funds will support the Women’s Labor and Employment Initiative composed of practitioners, academicians, and activists from the women’s movement who specialize in the field of women’s employment. Research will be carried out on legal frameworks between Turkey and the EU, a literature review of existing studies in the field will be done, as well as an evaluation of existing programs to increase women’s employment will take place. A high level conference will be held in early 2007 in order to draw further attention to the issue of women’s participation in the labor force.
 
$34,275
Women for Women’s Human Rights-New Ways
İstanbul, Turkey


Funds will be used to support the implementation of the Human Rights Education Program for Women, which is being carried out in partnership with the General Directorate of Social Services in Community Centers throughout Turkey. In the coming year, 50 sessions are planned to be held in 15 to 17 cities across Turkey reaching a total of 1,000 women.
 
$35,000

Grants Awarded - 2005  

Grant Recipient/
City Based In
Project Description Amount
Anadolu Kültür
İstanbul, Turkey
The Chrest Foundation will support a wide range of activities at Anadolu Kültür including the following projects:
- Youth and Cultural Heritage - Kars;
- Intercultural Cooperation with Caucasian Countries;
- Film Workshops and Training - Kars and Diyarbakır;
- Exhibitions and Performances Circulation;
- Local Arts Groups;
- Diyarbakır Children's Festival;
- Capacity/Cultural Management Training for Staff Members;
- Website Development.

$107,087
Development Centre
Diyarbakır, Turkey
Provided funding for the Institutional Capacity Development Project implemented by the Development Centre. The Development Centre will carry out studies for urban and rural development, develop and implement projects in the poorest rural and urban regions, and create realistic and sustainable models based on field conditions, which will provide long-term solutions for all concerned segments of the society.
 
$14,500
Global Heritage Fund
Palo Alto, CA USA
Provided funds for Stage Three - 2005 Conservation and Planning for the Kars' Kaleiçi District based on the Master Conservation Plan completed in Stage Two. Specifically, funds will be used for architectural planning and management, as well as restoration for the Namık Kemal House and other Ottoman structures.
 
$110,000
KA-MER Foundation
Diyarbakır, Turkey

 
A 3-year project grant for the establishment of a women’s center working for “Women’s Human Rights” in each of the 23 districts in the Southeast and East Anatolia Regions. The Centers will enable the opening of representative offices in the districts and shall in turn be instrumental in the structuring and strengthening of women’s initiatives to be carried out in the villages of all the provinces and districts encompassed by the project, the sum aim of which is to further the goal of women’s equal opportunity in the economical, socio-cultural, and political spheres. 
 
$150,000
The Tides Center/Grantmakers Without Borders
Boston, MA USA
 
Grantmakers Without Borders (GWoB) is a funders' network committed to increasing grantmaking for international societal change. The Chrest Foundation made a donation to GWoB for general purposes use.
 
$1,000
Grants Awarded - 2004 
Grant Recipient/
City Based In
Project Description Amount
Columbia University
Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Art Gallery

New York, NY USA
Provided funds for the exhibition - Restoring Byzantium: The Kariye Camii in İstanbul and the Byzantine Institute Restoration. The Kariye Camii is the best preserved monument of Late Byzantine art in modern day İstanbul.
 
$5,000
Global Heritage Fund
Palo Alto, CA USA
Funds for Stage Two: Kars Heritage Conservation and Planning, Master Plan preparation. Funding will help to rebuild Kars' Kaleiçi District as a cultural and tourism center with authentic architecture, culture, performing arts, restaurants, crafts, and lodging.
 
$30,000
İlhan Koman Culture and Art Foundation
İstanbul, Turkey
"Art For Our Town" Project brought together 100 children of very different cultural and social backgrounds, who, together with renowned artists, scientists, and specialized educators, built four monumental sculptures permanently installed in four İstanbul public areas in tribute to the children’s originating cultures.
 
$30,000
İstanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İFCA)
İstanbul, Turkey
Provided funds for the "Leaps of Faith" Project. The outcome of the Project was an exhibition of contemporary artwork produced by Greek and Turkish Cypriot artists as well as counterparts from other countries which have or are experiencing division. The exhibition bridged both sides of Nicosia, using public spaces in the city and within the Green Line itself.
 
$40,000
International Women of İstanbul
İstanbul, Turkey
 
Provided funds for purchase of a car for the use of Bakırköy Orphanage. The automobile will be used to transport girls to doctor/hospital visits, school functions, and education related activities; also, for any other official business concerning the students.
 
$10,000
KA-MER
Diyarbakır, Turkey
Two-year grant for "Women Look to the Future" Project. The Project's goals were to strengthen and expand women’s rights in Mardin, Kızıltepe, and Urfa; and nine additional cities in Southeastern Turkey.
 
$100,000
KA-MER
Diyarbakır, Turkey
Provided funds for the KA-MER "Foundation Establishing Project." The Project's objectives were as follows: 1) establish the KA-MER Foundation and position it as an umbrella organization for present and future women’s and children’s programs in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia; and 2) obtain professional support in financial matters to enable the KA-MER Foundation and its economic enterprises related to the Foundation to grow stronger.
 
$42,545
Pediatric Respiratory Society
İstanbul, Turkey
Provided additional funds for the purchase of a Flexible Bronchoscopy/Videobronchoscope System to be used at the Marmara University Hospital. Funds were also used to train pediatric pulmonology fellows and educate pediatricians and general practitioners about the clinical use of bronchoscopy, through four regional conferences in 2004.
 
$20,000
The Tides Center/Grantmakers Without Borders
Boston, MA USA
Grantmakers Without Borders (GWoB) is a funders' network committed to increasing grantmaking for international societal change. The Chrest Foundation made a donation to GWoB for general purposes use.
 
$1,000
Third Sector Foundation of Turkey (TÜSEV)
İstanbul, Turkey
Provided funds for a Comparative Study Project of NGO Law Reform Initiatives. TÜSEV’s Comparative Reports Project was an initiative of the NGO Law Reform Program. The desired impact of this project was to develop a succinct set of reports listing issues which merit reform, in order to inform key decision makers with comparative perspectives and international best practice.
 
$27.500
Third Sector Foundation of Turkey (TÜSEV)
İstanbul, Turkey
Civil Society Index Project. The Project aims to deliver a crucial needs assessment and action plan for civil society. Data and analysis accruing from the Project will provide civil society practitioners, governments, citizens, researchers, and the donor community with unique perspectives on the nature, values, environment and impact of civil society, the challenges faced by the sector, and aspects of civil society that can be enhanced.
 
$50,000

Grants Awarded - 2003 

Grant Recipient/
City Based In
Project Description Amount
Chrest Foundation Administered Project-Project managed on the ground by local community leaders Batman, Turkey Women's Economic Development Project - Provided funds for skills training in typing, computer education, customer relations, and commercial accounting, for 40 women who came from low-income families; local businesses agreed to hire women after they completed the training course.
 
$10,000
KDM, Women's Consultation Center
Batman, Turkey
 
Provided funds for the implementation of the Women's Human Rights Awareness Raising Program, which was conducted at the Women's Consultation Center in Batman.
 
$49,500
Pediatric Respiratory Society
İstanbul, Turkey
Provided funds for the purchase of Flexible Bronchoscopy/Videobronchoscope System to be used at the Marmara University Hospital. Funds were also used to train pediatric pulmonology fellows, educate pediatricians and general practitioners about the clinical use of bronchoscopy, through four regional conferences in 2004.
 
$50,000

Grants Awarded - 2002 

Grant Recipient/
City Based In
Project Description Amount
Chrest Foundation Administered Project-Project managed on the ground by local community leaders
Batman, Turkey
Purchased and distributed school supplies to 5,200 low income, first through eighth grade, school age children in Batman.
 
$30,000
Chrest Foundation Administered Project-Project managed on the ground by local community leaders
Batman, Turkey
Purchased and distributed school supplies for 500 low income, pre-school age, children in Batman.
 
$3,028
Turkish Family Health and Planning Foundation
İstanbul, Turkey
Provided funds for the construction of a new health center in Batman, purchase of medical equipment, and for continued training of hospital personnel at Batman State Hospital.
 
$54,690

Grants Awarded in Turkey - 2001 

Grant Recipient/
City Based In
Project Description Amount
Contemporary Education Foundation
İstanbul, Turkey
Provided funds for an educational and social improvement project in Batman; funds were used for the purchase of food, educational supplies, musical instruments, and award certificates.
 
$31,160
Turkish Family Health and Planning Foundation
İstanbul, Turkey
Provided funds for the construction of a new hospital annex, the purchase of medical equipment, and training and supervision of hospital personnel at Batman State Hospital.
 
$75,880
   
   
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