As part of its Grant Program, which has been ongoing for nearly 20 years, the Sabancı Foundation brought together the civil society organizations it supports at the traditional “Ekim Zamanı” (Time to Sow) event. Sharing the results of the Gender Equality Impact Study, conducted for the first time this year, Güler Sabancı, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Sabancı Foundation, stated: “Despite all the adversities of a period marked by multiple crises, the study once again showed us that we are on the right path. Nearly half of the 89 organizations that participated in the study received their first grant from the Sabancı Foundation. For many institutions, this support became a ‘starting point.’”
The Sabancı Foundation came together with the civil society organizations it has continuously supported for nearly two decades under its Grant Program at the traditional “Ekim Zamanı” event. Hosted by Güler Sabancı, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Sabancı Foundation, the event featured the stories of eight projects supported during the 2024–2025 period.
Beginning her speech by emphasizing that Ekim Zamanı is a time of hope, Güler Sabancı said:
“While coming together with you here under the same roof, I would like to once again remind us all that peace is not only a hope, but also a right for every human being. In the face of the great tragedy unfolding in Gaza, all of our hearts are deeply shaken. The growing civic awakening around the world and the powerful call of conscience must be heeded. A ceasefire is the first step toward peace. It is a very valuable step for ending conflicts and improving humanitarian conditions. This ceasefire, achieved through great efforts, offers hope both for the delivery of humanitarian aid and for the beginning of a new peace process. However, the real goal must be the establishment of lasting peace. We hope that efforts in this direction will continue with determination. Our greatest wish is for peace to become permanent in this war, which is a disgrace to humanity. In such difficult times, what gives us strength and renews our hope is our belief in human potential, reason, and creativity.”
“From the planning and goal-setting stages of projects, we aim to provide vital support, encouragement, and deepen impact.”
Stating that the new-term strategy of the Sabancı Foundation—now marking over 50 years—places at its center a structure that strengthens cooperation among grantee organizations and civil society, Güler Sabancı said:
“For us, Ekim Zamanı is not just a single day; it is a journey in which we renew our hopes and encounter inspiring stories. This journey shows how the effort we put into social development grows year by year, like a snowball.”
She continued:
“We are living in a time when multiple crises are occurring simultaneously across the world. Resources are shrinking while needs are increasing. We now need more effective and more measurable solutions. To produce science- and evidence-based, measurable solutions and to continuously improve, we must read the data and needs accurately. To date, we have reached nearly 5 million people through approximately 250 projects in 81 provinces. In today’s value, we have provided a total of TRY 650 million in grant support to civil society. But more important than these figures is the fact that we have walked this path together with all our stakeholders to ensure success. From the planning and goal-setting stages of projects onward, we strive to be a source of vital support, to encourage, and to deepen impact.”
“The Gender Equality Impact Study once again showed that we are on the right path, despite all challenges.”
Emphasizing the importance of measuring impact, Güler Sabancı said:
“We know that without measuring the impact of our work, especially in long-term projects, we cannot fully observe development and change. The Gender Equality Impact Study that we conducted for the first time this year once again showed us that we are on the right path, despite all the adversities of a period marked by multiple crises. Nearly half of the 89 organizations participating in the study received their first grant from the Sabancı Foundation. For many of them, this support became a starting point. Through these projects, strong partnerships were developed across Turkey. Civil society organizations that gained credibility with the support of the Sabancı Foundation were also able to access other funds. They increased their capacities. What makes us happiest is that nearly all of these organizations are still continuing to work in this field. This study scientifically proves once again that our Foundation is not merely a grant-giving institution, but a strategic actor that brings legitimacy to the field of gender equality.”
At the Sabancı Foundation’s Ekim Zamanı gathering, the outcomes, future goals, and beneficiary stories of the following projects were shared:
Datça Environment and Tourism Association – “The Scarlet Cherrybird: Combating Drought with a Focus on Climate Change in Datça”;
Döngü Cooperative – “Women Leaders in Rural Areas Transforming Their Communities: The Linen Cycle”;
Fethiye Tourism Promotion Education Culture and Environment Foundation – “We Access Tourism-2”;
Hasat Association – “What’s Up with Youth? Young People and Advocacy in Post-Earthquake Hatay”;
Müzikist Association – “Müzikist in the Village: A Music Education Guide for Village Teachers”;
Oyun Hareketi Association – “Playful School”;
Önce Çocuklar Association – “Solidarity Heals: Health from Woman to Woman”;
and International Young Searchers Association – “Local Advocacy Academy.”
Click to Watch Ekim Zamanı
