Sabanci Foundation

The Sabanci family has contributed greatly to furthering the Turkish economy with numerous industrial conglomerates and investments since the establishment of the Sabanci Holding and Sabanci Group companies in 1967. Having placed much importance on the value of social and cultural institutions, the Sabanci family members are prominent figures in various charitable initiatives. In an attempt to institutionalise their philanthropic activities, the Haci Omer Sabanci Foundation (Sabanci Foundation) was established in 1974 by the sons of the late Haci Omer and Sadika Sabanci with a generous contribution of Sadika Sabanci’s estate.

Mission

To promote social development and social awareness among current and future generations by supporting initiatives that create impact and lasting change in people’s lives.

Geographic Focus

Turkey

Programme Areas

Sabanci Foundation is active in the following areas:

Institutions
Since its establishment, Sabanci Foundation has built over 120 institutions in 78 residential areas among Turkey:

– Sabanci University (www.sabanciuniv.edu)
– 37 Educational institutions
– 19 Dormitories
– 16 Teacher centres
– 5 Health care centres and hospitals
– 16 Cultural Centres
– 8 Social Facilities
– 5 Sports facilities

– 9 Contributions to Other Institutions

Scholarships
More than 42,500 scholarships have been provided by Sabanci Foundation since 1974. Four different types of scholarships are given to 400 new students and a total of more than 1,500 students each year for:

• University admission
• Underdeveloped provinces
• Students with disabilities
• Sabanci Foundation – Vista Scholarship

Scholarships are awarded so that successful students with financial difficulties can pursue a university education. Scholarships are not bound to any compulsory service or repayment obligation.

Awards
Since its establishment the foundation has given over 1000 awards, divided into three categories:

• Educational Awards
• Art Awards
• Sports Awards

Arts and Culture
The foundation supports various festivals and contests to promote culture and art in Turkey:

– Turkish Folk Dances Contest
– International Sabanci Adana Theatre Festival
– National Youth Philharmonic Orchestra
– Mehtap Ar Children Theatrical Company
– Ankara International Music Festival
– Support for the excavation of the ancient city of Metropolis

Programmes
Sabanci Foundation aims to enable social inclusion by promoting an equitable environment in which women, youth and persons with disabilities have access and equal opportunities to actively participate in society. The foundation does this through grantmaking, joint partnership programmes, seminars and other programme activities:

• Social Development Grant Program
• “Turkey’s Changemakers” TV Program
• United Nations Joint Program to Promote and Protect the Human Rights of Women and Girls: Partnership and Grant Program
• Grant Program for Multidimensional Women’s Empowerment
• Sabanci Foundation Seminars