Call for Proposal: Impact Partners Grant Program (Turkey)

Deadline: 27-Feb-2026

The Sabancı Foundation has launched the Impact Partners Grant Program 2026–2029 to strengthen equal educational opportunities in Türkiye. The program supports projects that empower teachers, promote student well-being, and enhance inclusive, high-quality learning within formal schools. Grants range from 7,000,000 TL to 10,000,000 TL over three years.

About the Impact Partners Grant Program

The Impact Partners Grant Program focuses on improving formal education in Türkiye by:

• Supporting teacher empowerment

• Promoting student well-being

• Enhancing quality and inclusive learning experiences

The program operates within the formal education system (primary, secondary, and high school), including special education practices addressing diverse learning needs. Projects can directly implement interventions in schools or activities that transform the broader school ecosystem.

Key Areas of Focus

1. Teacher Empowerment

   • Strengthen solidarity, cooperation, and collaborative learning among teachers

   • Support professional, psychological, and social well-being

   • Enhance capacity to adapt to change, take initiative, and solve problems inclusively

   • Promote rights-based, creative problem-solving in professional practice

2. Student Well-Being

   • Strengthen trust and sense of belonging in school

   • Encourage participation in decision-making and school life

   • Address peer bullying, discrimination, and exclusion

   • Support intrinsic motivation and well-being toward learning

3. Quality and Inclusive Learning Experiences

   • Improve access to learning tools and educational instruments

   • Develop critical thinking, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills

   • Design inclusive, accessible, and innovative learning experiences

   • Respond to diverse student needs and learning styles

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Associations, foundations, and cooperatives established and located in Türkiye under national legislation

Ineligible Applicants

• Individuals

• International NGOs or organizations not based in Türkiye

• Local governments, economic enterprises of foundations/associations, private companies

• Chambers of commerce and industry

• Schools, universities, public institutions, and Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundations under the Ministry of Family and Social Services

Eligible Partners

• Ineligible entities may participate as project partners, contributing expertise and support.

Funding and Duration

• Grant duration: Three years (structured as 1+2 years)

• Total grant per project: 7,000,000 TL – 10,000,000 TL

• Annual upper limits:

  • Year 1: up to 2,500,000 TL

  • Year 2: up to 3,250,000 TL

  • Year 3: up to 4,250,000 TL

• Applications exceeding annual or total limits are considered invalid

Scope of Eligible Projects

• Within scope: Formal education projects in schools, including special education

• Out of scope:

  • Non-formal education and extracurricular programs

  • Distance learning or adult education

  • Vocational skills training, literacy programs, hobby-based courses

Why This Grant Matters

• Strengthens teacher and student capacity to foster inclusive learning

• Promotes equal educational opportunities in Türkiye

• Encourages innovative and sustainable education practices

• Supports transformation of the school ecosystem to improve student outcomes

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Develop Project Proposal

   • Align with one or more focus areas: teacher empowerment, student well-being, or quality learning

   • Ensure direct or ecosystem-level impact within formal schools

2. Check Eligibility

   • Confirm applicant organization type and location

   • Ensure partners are eligible and contribute meaningfully

3. Prepare Budget

   • Structure funding within annual and total limits

   • Clearly justify resource allocation for each project year

4. Submit Application

   • Provide detailed project description, objectives, implementation plan, and expected impact

5. Selection and Award

   • Successful projects will receive funding for the three-year period

   • Ongoing monitoring may be required to ensure program goals are met

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects outside formal education scope

• Exceeding annual or total grant limits

• Applying as an ineligible entity (individuals, schools, international NGOs)

• Failing to establish a clear link between project activities and school ecosystem

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the Impact Partners Grant Program?

Associations, foundations, and cooperatives established and located in Türkiye.

2. What types of projects are eligible?

Projects must focus on teacher empowerment, student well-being, or inclusive learning experiences in formal schools.

3. Can individuals apply?

No, individual applications are not accepted.

4. Can international organizations apply?

No, but they may participate as project partners.

5. What is the maximum grant per project?

10,000,000 TL for the full three-year period.

6. Can non-formal education programs be funded?

No, only formal education projects are eligible.

7. What are the annual funding limits?

• Year 1: 2,500,000 TL

• Year 2: 3,250,000 TL

• Year 3: 4,250,000 TL

Conclusion

The Sabancı Foundation Impact Partners Grant Program 2026–2029 provides a significant opportunity to transform formal education in Türkiye. By supporting teacher development, student well-being, and inclusive learning, the program fosters equitable educational opportunities and encourages sustainable, systemic improvements in schools across the country.

For more information, visit Sabancı Foundation.