In a statement, BCSDN’s member from Turkey, TUSEV, working on providing an enabling environment for civil society development regarding legal, financial, and functional aspects, expresses its concerns about social media and other medium narratives on CSOs receiving foreign funds. The letter points that the statements about creating suspicion and labeling institutions that receive foreign funds without evidence may harm the legitimate institutions’ reputation. If suspicion exists, public authorities should take the necessary precautions while supporting the existence and sustainability of CSOs. The letter further suggests that the available funds for CSOs in Turkey are scarce, with limited diversity, and the culture of individual giving is not well developed. Following the restrictive Law on Aid Collection, CSOs must obtain permission when they raise funds. CSOs are obliged to acquire funds from domestic and foreign sources to sustain their work. For NGOs operating in Turkey, the grants provided by the European Union continue to be among the most fundamental sources. Read more here.
Source: Philanthropy Advocacy