Call for Applications: Capacity Building Fund 2026 (Turkey)

The Capacity Building Fund 2026 provides grants of up to 1 million TL to strengthen the institutional capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) in Turkey. In addition to financial support, selected organizations receive expert mentoring, workshops, networking opportunities, and capacity-building assistance to improve organizational sustainability and better serve disadvantaged communities.

About the Capacity Building Fund

The Capacity Building Fund is designed to strengthen the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of civil society organizations operating in Turkey. The program supports organizations seeking to improve their institutional capacity, governance, financial sustainability, and overall ability to deliver greater social impact.

The initiative is implemented by the Support Foundation for Civil Society in cooperation with the Dalyan Foundation and Turkey Mozaik Foundation, with support from individual and institutional donors.

The fund aims to help medium and small-scale civil society organizations become stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to support disadvantaged groups across Turkey.

Program Objectives

The Capacity Building Fund supports initiatives that:

• Strengthen the institutional capacity of civil society organizations.
• Improve services and support for disadvantaged groups.
• Enhance financial sustainability.
• Strengthen organizational governance and management.
• Improve communication strategies.
• Build effective monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Strengthen project management capacity.
• Improve volunteer management and cooperation.
• Encourage networking and partnership development.
• Support advocacy and lobbying activities.
• Promote long-term organizational growth and sustainability.

Funding Available

Eligible organizations can receive grants of up to 1 million TL.

In addition to financial assistance, successful applicants will receive comprehensive capacity-building support, including:

• Expert mentoring and advisory services.
• Capacity-building workshops.
• Experience-sharing meetings.
• Networking opportunities.
• Regular learning and collaboration sessions.
• Institutional development support throughout the program.

Capacity Building Areas

The program provides institutional support across multiple areas, including:

• Financial sustainability.
• Organizational management.
• Strategic planning.
• Communication and visibility.
• Monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Project management.
• Volunteer management.
• Networking and collaboration.
• Partnership development.
• Advocacy and lobbying.
• Institutional strengthening.
• Organizational development.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include legally established civil society organizations in Turkey, including:

• Associations.
• Foundations.
• Nonprofit cooperatives.
• Unions.
• Federations.
• Confederations.

Applicants must also:

• Be legally established in Turkey.
• Develop a change plan that improves their institutional structure, working methods, or income model.
• Designate at least one staff member or representative responsible for managing the capacity development process.
• Demonstrate a commitment to strengthening organizational effectiveness and sustainability.

Who is Not Eligible?

Organizations may not be eligible if they:

• Are not legally established in Turkey.
• Cannot prepare an institutional change plan.
• Fail to appoint a responsible person for the capacity development process.
• Do not meet the eligibility requirements established by the program.

Why This Fund Matters

Many civil society organizations face challenges related to limited resources, organizational development, financial sustainability, and institutional growth.

This program helps organizations:

• Build stronger governance systems.
• Improve operational efficiency.
• Increase long-term financial resilience.
• Develop stronger partnerships.
• Expand community impact.
• Strengthen advocacy capacity.
• Improve services for disadvantaged communities.
• Become more sustainable and effective over time.

How to Apply

Organizations should follow these steps:

1. Confirm eligibility under the Capacity Building Fund requirements.
2. Assess institutional strengths and identify areas requiring improvement.
3. Develop a clear organizational change plan.
4. Designate a representative responsible for the capacity-building process.
5. Prepare all required organizational documents.
6. Complete the official application form.
7. Submit the application before the program deadline.
8. Participate in the assessment process if shortlisted.
9. Upon selection, implement the institutional development plan while participating in capacity-building activities.
10. Monitor progress and participate in mentoring, workshops, and networking events throughout the program.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances by:

• Presenting a realistic and achievable institutional development plan.
• Clearly identifying organizational capacity gaps.
• Demonstrating commitment to long-term sustainability.
• Explaining how improved institutional capacity will benefit disadvantaged communities.
• Showing leadership commitment to organizational development.
• Including measurable goals and expected outcomes.
• Demonstrating openness to learning and collaboration.

Common Application Mistakes

Common mistakes include:

• Submitting an unclear or incomplete change plan.
• Failing to demonstrate organizational capacity needs.
• Not assigning a responsible representative.
• Providing unrealistic development objectives.
• Weak explanations of expected organizational impact.
• Incomplete supporting documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Capacity Building Fund?

Eligible applicants include associations, foundations, nonprofit cooperatives, unions, federations, and confederations legally established in Turkey.

How much funding is available?

Successful applicants may receive grants of up to 1 million TL.

Does the program provide support beyond funding?

Yes. Beneficiaries receive expert mentoring, workshops, networking opportunities, experience-sharing meetings, and institutional capacity-building support.

What types of capacity-building activities are supported?

The program supports financial sustainability, governance, communication, monitoring and evaluation, project management, volunteer management, networking, partnerships, advocacy, and organizational development.

Is an institutional development plan required?

Yes. Applicants must prepare a change plan that strengthens their institutional structure, working methods, or income model.

Must organizations appoint a project representative?

Yes. Applicants must designate at least one person responsible for leading the capacity development process.

What is the overall goal of the program?

The program aims to strengthen civil society organizations so they can become more sustainable, effective, and capable of creating long-term positive social impact for disadvantaged communities.

Conclusion

The Capacity Building Fund 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for civil society organizations in Turkey to strengthen their institutional capacity through grants of up to 1 million TL and comprehensive organizational development support. By combining financial assistance with expert guidance, mentoring, and networking opportunities, the program helps organizations build sustainable systems, improve governance, and enhance their ability to deliver meaningful support to disadvantaged groups.