Earthquake relief for Türkiye

Turkiye was struck by a series of destructive earthquakes on Feb. 6th, and the country is still reeling from their impact. 

As a group of employees of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), we have started a community initiative project to support the affected areas. 

In recognition of the truly exceptional needs in this case, the EBRD Community Initiative will provide the matching funding at a special 1:2 ratio up to the limit of EUR 250,000 on the staff contributions, to a limit of EUR 500,000 from the Community Special Fund.

The funds will go to Needs Map (Ihtiyac Haritasi) and other impactful and credible local CSOs, which work in coordination with AFET Platformu (Disaster Platformu), composed of various reputable civil society organisations and local municipalities. This will ensure that donations are used for priority needs and can create sustainable impact wherever possible.

Please help to raise funds for this meaningful cause.

Further clarifications on the EBRD’s Community Initiative and its support for the “Earthquake relief for Türkiye” fundraiser organised by a group of EBRD employees:

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This Crowdfunder campaign aims to raise funds for impactful and credible local CSOs which work in coordination with AFET Platformu (Disaster Platformu) to provide disaster and emergency support to those affected by the earthquakes in South-Eastern Türkiye.

Only non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are eligible to receive funds under this campaign. Official government bodies are not eligible and will thus not receive any funds from this campaign.

NGOs to receive funds will be selected by a committee of EBRD staff with in-depth knowledge about the local context. NGOs will be selected based on their relevant experience and existing track-record of collaboration with the EBRD and other key partners. All NGOs will undergo the EBRD Community Initiative’s established due diligence process before becoming eligible for funding (see below).

The name of each NGO to benefit from funds under this campaign is going to be published on our fundraising page, together with the expected total amount they will receive.

 Due to the rapidly changing needs, we may not always be able to specify the intended use of funds upfront. We will ensure that all funds go towards causes that are in line with the EBRD’s democratic values. We are also committed to the principle of equality, making sure that support reaches those that are otherwise at risk of exclusion and we will work to distribute funds in a fair and balanced manner, covering the different regions, causes and needs appropriately.

To ensure that funds reach the selected NGOs in a timely manner, we will start distributing funds as soon as EBRD matched funding has been confirmed for the respective organisation.

It is required for each NGO to report back on how funds have been used. This will be based on evidence (such as invoices for purchases made, annual financial statements, annual reports, etc.) to be submitted to the EBRD. The fundraising team will monitor and evaluate the respective NGO’s operations and will be able to take steps to limit future funding in case of misuse.

MATCHED FUNDING

The maximum amount of matched funds that each NGO can receive under this campaign is EUR 50,000.

SELECTED NGOs

1.    Needs Map (Ihtiyac Haritasi). Needs Map is a central platform for the coordination of local support to survivors and rescue teams on the ground. It collects and validates needs from individuals, educational institutions and non-governmental organizations and facilitates contact through its map-based technology. As EBRD staff, we had previous experience of working with Needs Map that had ensured efficient results. 

2.     AKUT Search and Rescue Association (AKUT Dernegi). KUT is entirely a voluntary, non-governmental organization involved in searching, assisting and rescuing all who require aid within its authority and means, in mountain or other nature-related accidents, natural disasters and all other emergency. AKUT’s primary function is search and rescue operations, but also works to increase competencies in this field. 

3.    Hayata Destek (Support to Life): Hayata Destek is an independent humanitarian organization founded with the principle aim of helping disaster-affected communities meet their basic needs and rights. Not only have they been very active in the field, they have also worked in close coordination with Ihtiyac Haritasi—with whom we checked for reference. 

4.    ACEV (Mother Child Education Foundation): There was a strong consensus among CI members to provide support for children in the disaster zone. ACEV has extensive experience in disaster relief and rehabilitation through several earthquakes (İzmit 1999, Van 2011, Elazıg 2020) and disasters (Soma Explosion 2014, Wildfires 2021) that Turkey has suffered. They have previously set up physical rehabilitation centers and mental health clinics in Elazig (2020), Van (2011), and Marmara (1999) earthquakes. ACEV continues its mission to provide similar immediate relief and long-term assistance to families affected by this earthquake.

5.    Darüssafaka Society: Darüssafaka Society is the first non-governmental organization in Turkish history in the field of education. The organization’s main mission is to provide for the educational need of children who have lost one or both of their parents.   They have announced that they will providing scholarships for earthquake survivors, as well as taking on the siblings of their students in the disaster zones.