Three years after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck southern Turkey and northern Syria, claiming over 59,000 lives, survivors continue to face lasting physical, emotional, and psychosocial impacts. The subsequent 7.5-magnitude quake nine hours later compounded the devastation, destroying homes and businesses and leaving nearly 18 million people in urgent need of humanitarian aid. Recovery efforts have been ongoing, yet widespread needs persist, with many communities still living in temporary settlements and struggling to access long-term housing, stable livelihoods, and essential services.
In response, CDP established the Turkey & Syria Earthquake Recovery Fund to support underserved and at-risk families and communities. The first round of grants, announced in October 2023, distributed $5.6 million to address immediate humanitarian needs while investing in longer-term priorities, including rebuilding community infrastructure, restoring livelihoods, and expanding access to mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS).
CDP’s team recently conducted a six-day field visit across multiple cities in Turkey, including Antakya, İskenderun, Samandağ, Kahramanmaraş, and Gaziantep, to assess recovery progress. The visit highlighted the scale of the destruction, the ongoing displacement, and the critical need for continued support. At the same time, it showcased remarkable community resilience and leadership, with initiatives ranging from arts-based psychosocial programs and youth-focused community spaces to climate-resilient infrastructure and economic revitalization projects.
For the second round of grantmaking, CDP awarded 18 grants totaling nearly $2.2 million, with the vast majority directed to locally led organizations to leverage their trusted role in recovery efforts. Several grants were co-funded with Turkish Philanthropy Funds, further strengthening community impact. The funded projects support a wide range of initiatives, including inclusive community-led recovery programs in Syria, arts-based psychosocial support for children and youth, sustainable microfinance for women in Turkey, restoration of schools and water infrastructure, livelihood support, and leadership development for local humanitarian actors.
CDP’s grantee partners are implementing programs that address both immediate needs and long-term resilience, emphasizing equity, inclusion, and the social, economic, and emotional well-being of affected communities. These projects demonstrate the importance of flexible, equity-focused disaster philanthropy to ensure that communities not only recover from disasters but also have the resources to thrive in the future.
