Solidarity reimagined: The power of giving in Türkiye

Türkiye today stands as a country rooted in centuries-old traditions of solidarity and generosity, yet one where modern philanthropy and individual giving are still finding their voice in shaping social change. The nation’s history is deeply intertwined with the waqf culture, charitable endowments that for generations have sustained education, health and welfare. Today, however, the contemporary landscape of giving reflects both continuity and transformation: from spontaneous acts of kindness in daily life to organised charitable initiatives and disaster relief efforts, philanthropy in Türkiye embodies not only enduring cultural values but also the evolving realities of a rapidly changing society.

The Individual Giving and Philanthropy in Türkiye 2024 report captures this dynamic vividly, offering a rare two-decade perspective on how societal shifts have reshaped patterns of giving. Initiated and supported by the Third Sector Foundation of Türkiye (TÜSEV), the study provides systematic and comprehensive monitoring of philanthropic behaviours and trends across the country since 2004. This piece seeks to unpack the insights from the report, offering a snapshot of Türkiye’s evolving culture of giving and its broader implications for solidarity, civic engagement and the role of philanthropy in building a more inclusive society.

According to the 2024 report, the total value of aid and donations in Türkiye is estimated to be nearly 1% of the country’s GDP, a slight increase from previous reports. This rise reflects a growing culture of solidarity, possibly influenced by recent crises such as natural disasters and economic hardship, which have strengthened collective giving behaviour. Taken together, these numbers highlight not only the economic weight of generosity but also the depth of social solidarity that continues to define philanthropy in Türkiye. While this ratio stands at 1.44% in the United States and 0.77% in Canada based on CAF findings, Türkiye’s figure is particularly striking given the country’s strong culture of informal, often community-based giving. In countries where higher ratios are supported by robust tax incentives and formal mechanisms, Türkiye’s share demonstrates the strength of social bonds even in the absence of strong structural support. Strengthening institutional frameworks and incentives could therefore help transform this giving potential into a more strategic and enduring force for social impact.

The key demographic characteristics of the sample group also reveal profound social changes over two decades. The population is aging and more educated, with the average age rising from 39 to 43 and the share of university graduates nearly tripling from 8% in 2004 to 22% in 2024. Households have become smaller, shrinking from an average of 4.3 to 3.5 members. Together, these trends depict a society that is older, better educated, more urbanised and increasingly composed of smaller family units, an evolving social fabric that inevitably influences how and why people choose to give. As Türkiye’s demographics and social structures evolve, so too do the ways people engage with their communities and express solidarity. Growing financial pressures, uncertainty and pessimism about the economy have dampened people’s willingness to give. Yet, moments of collective crisis often reverse this trend. Disasters, in particular, awaken a strong sense of solidarity, prompting extraordinary waves of generosity across society, as seen in the nationwide mobilisation following the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.

The country’s sociopolitical and economic context also shapes both personal priorities and collective attitudes toward giving, volunteering and civic participation. Amid ongoing national challenges, these transformations unfold alongside broader global trends that are reshaping the space for civil society, where philanthropy, activism, and civic engagement increasingly intersect. Globally, civil society organisations now face greater repression in 41 countries compared to 2014 (V-Dem Report, 2025). As the global order also shifts in the post-USAID era, changing political priorities are reshaping not only policy agendas but also unlocking new possibilities for civil society to collaborate, innovate, and reimagine its role in driving change. Yet significant challenges remain: funding gaps persist, with many organisations struggling amid shrinking international support and limited local resources, raising serious concerns about their long-term sustainability.

Against this global backdrop, it is instructive to take a closer look at Türkiye’s landscape of giving. The shrinking space for civil society makes it even more crucial to explore innovative fundraising methods, particularly those that harness the power of individual giving. The significance of individual giving in Türkiye lies not only in the resources it mobilises but also in the innovations it fosters. In a country where public resources are often constrained by economic turbulence and civil society organisations face evolving challenges, citizens’ engagement with social issues plays a crucial role in complementing and supplementing state support. Moreover, the active participation of individuals contributes to shaping social systems, strengthening accountability and inclusivity, and advancing the broader democratisation of society.

One of the most striking findings of the report concerns the remarkable level of solidarity and mobilisation following the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. The study shows that one in four citizens chose to donate through civil society organisations, surpassing both direct giving and donations made through public institutions. Much like the aftermath of the 1999 Marmara earthquake, this trend marks a potential turning point for civil society in Türkiye, signalling growing public trust in non-profit organisations and their capacity to respond effectively in times of crisis. Moreover, the findings underscore the importance of informal networks, such as community groups, volunteer circles and grassroots initiatives, that play a crucial role in post-disaster response and recovery. Together, these dynamics reveal a deepening culture of civic engagement and a society increasingly aware of the power of collective action.

There is no shortage of generosity, whether through informal or formal means, but the real question is how to mobilise it effectively for lasting impact, with civil society at the heart of this effort. Yet challenges remain: One of the most persistent barriers to the growth of philanthropy in Türkiye is the low level of institutional trust, alongside the absence of a strong public policy environment that supports and invests in philanthropy infrastructure. Scepticism toward both public institutions and civil society organisations limits the potential for collective action, preventing financial and human resources from being fully mobilised when they are most needed. For philanthropy to evolve into a more sustainable and transformative force, rebuilding this trust is essential. Moreover, establishing enabling public mechanisms, from supportive regulations to incentives, is crucial to turning generosity into lasting social impact. Strengthening transparency, accountability and collaboration among citizens, the state and civil society will not only expand the culture of giving but also reinforce the foundations of solidarity and democracy in Türkiye.