Global Context
Natural disasters and humanitarian crises strike unexpectedly, disrupting millions of lives and causing significant socio-economic damage. Earthquakes, wildfires, floods, pandemics, and conflicts lead to loss of life, displacement, and long-term hardship. The frequency and intensity of these events are rising due to climate change, urbanisation, and political instability. The impact is uneven, with vulnerable groups disproportionately affected:
- Women and children are often the most affected due to their roles in households and communities, have less access to resources and support networks, and are at higher risk of violence and exploitation during and after emergencies.
- People with disabilities face significant barriers to accessing emergency services, healthcare, and safe evacuation, making them vulnerable during crises.
- Older people, with mobility and health issues, may find it difficult to respond quickly to emergencies and may lack the necessary support systems.
- Migrants and refugees often lack social networks and legal protection, making it harder to access aid and recover from disasters.
Civil society organisations (CSOs) play a vital role in disaster relief by providing immediate essentials such as food, water, and shelter, while also supporting long-term recovery efforts to help communities rebuild and strengthen resilience. Their local knowledge and connections allow them to address specific needs effectively and ensure that aid reaches the most vulnerable.
Making a Difference
Türkiye Mozaik Foundation delivers rapid and critical support to communities affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises. Understanding the unique needs of vulnerable groups, we prioritise identifying and supporting local CSOs with the knowledge and expertise to intervene effectively.
Since 2020, we’ve awarded £3,810,993 in 131 grants to aid recovery efforts following earthquakes, wildfires, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Our grants have:
- Delivered food, water, shelter, hygiene products, and other essential supplies,
- Supported the psychosocial well-being of survivors,
- Helped communities in rebuilding their livelihoods and economies,
- Created safe spaces for women and children to prevent gender-based violence,
- Offered assistance to vulnerable groups including people with disabilities, migrants, refugees, and stray animals.

Clean Water and Shelter for Survivors: Support to Life
Support to Life Association (Hayata Destek Derneği) received grant support from our Kahramanmaraş Earthquake Emergency Relief Fund immediately after the earthquakes. They provided clean water to survivors by installing 5-tonne water tanks in 12 neighbourhoods in Antakya, Hatay, and distributing 8,000 reusable 10-litre water containers. With additional grant support, they also supplied 151 family-size winterised tents to families in need of shelter.
Our Approach
- Inclusive Support: We ensure our Emergency Relief Fund is inclusive, addressing the specific needs of women, children, people with disabilities, older people, and migrants and refugees.
- Local Partnerships: By working with local CSOs, we leverage their on-the-ground knowledge and networks to provide tailored and effective support.
- Responsive Interventions: Our approach is flexible and responsive, allowing us to adapt to the evolving needs of affected communities quickly.
- Sustainable Recovery: Beyond immediate relief, we support initiatives that help communities rebuild and enhance their resilience to future crises.
Emergency Relief Fund
To date, our Emergency Relief Fund has supported several initiatives in response to various crises:
Kahramanmaraş Earthquake Emergency Relief Fund
Launched after the devastating earthquakes that hit southeastern Türkiye on 6 February 2023, to support CSOs providing urgent relief and medium to long-term recovery to survivors. The fundraising campaign raised £4 million from more than 18,000 supporters. To date, the fund has given 111 grants with over £3,7 million, touching more than 750,000 lives in 19 cities across Türkiye.
COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund
Launched in response to the pandemic outbreak in early 2020 to support the short-term survival of our previous grantees by addressing their organisational needs and the urgent needs of their target groups. The fund provided grants to six CSOs.
Refugee Crisis Emergency Relief Fund
Launched after the humanitarian crisis of Syrian refugees on the border between Türkiye and Greece on 27 February 2020. The fund supported an experienced humanitarian organisation that directly impacted 4,020 people, including 3,843 babies and children, by providing essential food, transport and shelter.
Turkey Wildfire Relief and Mitigation Fund
Launched in the aftermath of the July 2021 wildfires, supporting five CSOs whose recovery and rebuilding efforts have impacted more than 1,161 people and many more lives in the wild.
Izmir Earthquake Relief Fund
Launched following the Aegean Sea earthquake on 30 October 2020 affecting Izmir and surrounding districts. The campaign raised over £28,000 from more than 460 supporters. The fund supported five CSOs to meet basic needs, provide immediate relief and longer-term psychosocial support to survivors, and improve civil society preparedness for future disasters.
Elazığ Earthquake Emergency Relief Fund
Launched following the 6.5 magnitude earthquake that hit the eastern province of Elazig, Malatya, and surrounding districts on 24 January 2020. The fundraising campaign raised £21,000 from over 200 supporters. The fund provided grants to three CSOs providing immediate relief and support to survivors.
Explore the full list of grants we’ve provided, supporting impactful projects across various areas of work since our inception.
We are committed to supporting communities in times of crisis, ensuring that the most vulnerable receive the care and assistance they need to rebuild and recover.
Donate today and stand with us.
Grants in Action

Nesin Foundation (Nesin Vakfı), with grant support from our Kahramanmaraş Earthquake Emergency Relief Fund, held 206 weekly sessions and mobile workshops for 950 children in Hatay’s remote villages and container cities, focusing on culture, arts, music, and nature. These activities improved children’s psychosocial well-being and essential skills. Additionally, a special workshop by Professor Ali Nesin addressed post-earthquake reconstruction for teachers.

Turkish Psychologists Association – Izmir Branch provided psychological support to 2,315 earthquake survivors in Izmir in 2020 with the grant support of our Izmir Earthquake Emergency Relief Fund, marking the association’s highest reach. 344 psychologists volunteered, and 2,608 psychologists were trained in 26 sessions to expand the volunteer pool for future emergencies. Over 100 group supervision and self-care sessions were also held for volunteers.

KAMER Women’s Centre Foundation (KAMER Kadın Merkezi Vakfı) supported survivors in Kahramanmaraş, Hatay, Adıyaman, and Malatya. With grant support from our Kahramanmaraş Earthquake Emergency Relief Fund, KAMER established a Support Centre for women and children with disabilities, reached 5,580 women through psycho-education, and provided legal and psychological support through individual and group counselling sessions.
More of Mozaik in Action

Children’s Rights
Learn about how we empower civil society organisations promoting children’s rights.
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Environment
Discover how our grants support environmental initiatives across Türkiye.
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Culture and Arts
Explore how our grantee partners improve equal access to culture and arts for all.
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