Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF), a diaspora community foundation channeling social investments of Turkish-Americans to social needs, announces the release of its 2010-2011 Annual Report, Changing Lives, Empowering Communities One Philanthropist at a Time. The report is available on TPF’s webpage and covers TPF’s activities and grants.

TPF is the first and only diaspora organization of the Turkish-American community in the United States that employs the community foundation model. The organization was founded in 2007 by a group of dedicated Turkish-American entrepreneurs, bankers and architects and has since raised over $13.6 million. “This report reaffirms the growing influence of Turkish diaspora in the United States,” said Mrs. Ozlenen Kalav, President and CEO of TPF. “Our philanthropic investments in four-years of operation have totaled to $10.5 million and each year we continue to embark on new initiatives.”

The annual report describes TPF’s unique approach to philanthropy, primary areas of focus, and stories of TPF donors and grantees. “Philanthropy is a very personal statement. Our donors and grantees helped improved the lives of many through their own philanthropic vision,” said Haldun Tashman, Executive Chairman of TPF. “We provided scholarships and helped rebuild lives after disasters. We are proud to be the medium to channel our donors’ passion and very happy to represent a diaspora community that has a growing potential and propensity to give, and eagerness to become responsible world citizens.”

Highlights of the report include:

• TPF’s outreach and philanthropic giving in primary areas of focus – education opportunities; empowering women and girls; improving livelihoods and raising awareness through arts.
• Accomplishments with TPF grantee partners such as are Sabanci University, Mother Child Education Fund (ACEV), Community Volunteers Foundation of Turkey (TOG), Association for the Support of Contemporary Living (CYDD) and Aziz Nesin Foundation.
• Overview of donor giving.

Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) is a 501(c) (3) public charity based in New York. TPF helps donors realize their philanthropic goals to meet social needs in their communities. For more information, visit TPF at: www.tpfund.org.