Philanthropy is not defined by how much you have—it is defined by your intention.
Together, we create ripples of change that build a better future.
By Şenay Ataselim-Yilmaz, PhD
As we enter a new year, many of us reflect on our lives, revisit our values, and set intentions for the year ahead. For me, this annual tradition is not just about personal resolutions—it is about recommitting to a purpose that has defined my life: giving back.
Growing up in Türkiye, I was surrounded by a culture where community was not just a part of life—it was life. Generosity was woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Everyone looked out for each other, and giving—big or small—expressed shared humanity. I remember my mother preparing extra meals for our elderly neighbor, ensuring she never felt alone during the holidays. Our neighbors would come together to provide school supplies for the children of a needy family, exemplifying our community’s spirit. Moving to the United States, I carried that ethos and a profound sense of responsibility to connect my two homes. Discovering the philanthropic sector in the US was transformative. Here, I saw how the same spirit of generosity could be elevated through strategy and collaboration, creating even more significant, lasting impact. It was inspiring—and it felt like I had found my purpose. These combined cultural values have shaped my belief that we are united by a shared humanity regardless of our origins. Ultimately, our legacy is measured by the difference we make in others’ lives.
My journey with Turkish Philanthropy Funds began with this foundational belief. Joining TPF in its early days, I found a job and a mission. TPF became my connection between my two homes—Türkiye, where my roots run deep, and the United States, where I have built a life. We strive to integrate Türkiye’s communal generosity with the strategic philanthropy of the US, working daily with our donor community to turn this vision into a lasting legacy. Witnessing the immense power of philanthropy to connect people, empower communities, and drive meaningful change, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand how generosity fuels progress and forges connections that strengthen us all. As Executive Director of TPF, I am committed to inspiring individuals to embark on their philanthropic journeys, fostering a collective impact that extends beyond our individual efforts and creates a shared legacy of positive change.
The Power of Giving
My role at TPF is deeply personal, rooted in my values and unwavering belief in the power of giving.
I give because I believe education is more than a path to opportunity—it is a powerful catalyst for change. Through TPF’s initiatives, I have seen how access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities unlocks potential and changes lives. I recall meeting Ayşe, a young woman from a rural village who became the first in her family to attend university through one of our scholarship programs. Today, she is a medical doctor, inspiring the next generation in her community. These young people, especially young women, are empowered to become leaders, returning to their communities with the strength, skills, and vision to inspire and uplift others.
I give because I believe in resilience. Visiting communities in Türkiye after the devastating earthquakes was a humbling experience. I saw the unimaginable hardships people endured, but I also witnessed their courage, determination, and hope. During one of those trips, I met Faruk, a father who lost his home and business. With TPF’s support through one of our partners, he recovered his business, providing for his family and offering employment to others affected by the disaster. Being among families rebuilding their lives after the earthquake, I felt a connection that words cannot capture—an unshakable bond that changed me forever. Moments like those remind you that giving is not just an act of generosity; it is an act of humanity. It connects us, lifting both the giver and the receiver in ways that transform us all. Resilience alone, however, is not enough—it needs support, partnerships, and sustained action. That is why I am deeply committed to TPF’s rebuilding efforts. Every grant represents more than financial support— it is a step toward healing, stability, and a brighter future for families rebuilding their lives.
I give because I believe in the transformative power of women’s empowerment. As a woman, I know what it means to face barriers and fight for opportunities. But I also know that empowering women is not just about individual progress. When women rise, they bring their families, communities, and entire generations along with them. I think of Fatma, who, through one of our women’s entrepreneurship programs, turned her handmade crafts into a thriving business, uplifting her family and inspiring other women in her neighborhood. Empowering women is not just personal for me—it is essential to building stronger, more equitable societies.
I give because I believe in the power of women as role models. Growing up, I longed for more women role models—examples of strength, resilience, and ambition that showed me what was possible. Young girls and boys must see examples of vulnerability and resilience; passion and purpose; generosity and ambition through women role models. They need to see that success does not require conforming to outdated norms or becoming “The Man.” Women can redefine success on their terms and inspire others to do the same.
I give because I know philanthropy is not defined by how much you have—it is defined by your intention. It is about recognizing that we all have the power to make a difference, whether through time, resources, or skills. Time and again, I have seen how this intentional act of giving ripples through the TPF community—bringing people together to create meaningful change. For me, giving is an act of hope. It is a way to connect with others and build something greater than us. When we come together, we do not just address immediate needs; we create opportunities, inspire change, and lay the foundation for a future we can all be proud of.
Turning Resolutions into Action
At TPF, we believe that philanthropy is a path to purpose. It is about aligning your values with action, channeling your passion to uplift others, and finding joy in giving. We do not just facilitate donations—we build a community of like-minded individuals who believe in creating a better future. Whether through scholarships, disaster relief, or supporting grassroots organizations, every act of giving creates ripples of change.
The new year is a time of possibility, a chance to reflect on the world we want to create and our role in shaping it. Philanthropy allows us an opportunity to align our intentions with meaningful change. As we embark on another year, I invite you to reflect: What does giving mean to you? What values guide your journey? What legacy do you want to leave behind?
This year, my resolution is to continue leading with purpose, giving with intention, and inspiring others to join this journey. Because when we give, we do not just transform the lives of others—we transform ourselves.
I leave you with a quote from Alfre Woodard that has always inspired me:
“Charity opens up the possibility of joy. The life of the giver, as well as that of the receiver, is transformed… Giving is not a posture reserved for the rich or powerful. It is the responsibility and privilege of every man, woman, and child to participate in the task of building more just and humane societies. Philanthropy and activism are a gift to one’s self. Creating social change is exciting. It is proof that we are alive and thinking. What could be better than to work for a future where fairness is the bottom line?”
This new year, let us embrace the joy of giving and the transformation that comes with it—together.
With gratitude and hope. ■
About Turkish Philanthropy Funds
For 17 years, Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) has been dedicated to changing narratives and creating equitable opportunities in our community. With the generosity of over 100,000 donors, we have disbursed close to $50 million, directly impacting over 3 million lives. As a community foundation, we leverage our intimate knowledge of community needs to fuel innovative solutions to pressing challenges. Our strategic guidance helps donors maximize their philanthropic reach, ensuring that their contributions create sustainable and meaningful change. TPF serves as a collaborative hub where donors, businesses, and nonprofits unite, pooling resources and expertise to foster resilient and inclusive communities. Together, we have built a legacy of positive change that we are all proud of.
www.tpfund.org
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