Record participation in the Borusan Sustainable Benefit Program: Borusan Empowers 3 Innovative Projects Under the Theme “For Everyone’s Benefit”

In the 4th cycle of the Borusan Sustainable Benefit Program, which broke its own record with more than 500 applications, Borusan Holding is empowering three new initiatives set to create lasting value. Ranging from approaches that restore the ecosystem in Muğla together with local communities, to initiatives that remove barriers in stadium stands and strengthen older individuals’ connection with the digital world, the three projects will expand their impact through a grant of TL 600,000 and strategic guidance.

Borusan Holding has announced the three projects it will support in the fourth cycle of the Borusan Sustainable Benefit Program, launched in 2022.

The program, which received its highest number of applications to date, focused on projects developing innovative solutions in the areas of combating the climate crisis and reducing inequalities. This cycle saw initiatives touching social life in areas ranging from wildlife protection to overcoming accessibility barriers in stadium stands and helping older individuals safely integrate with the digital world.

Nursel Ölmez Ateş, Borusan Holding People, Communications and Sustainability Group President, summarized her thoughts on the new cycle: “Receiving a record number of applications in our fourth cycle has once again shown us how strong the desire for solidarity and problem-solving is within society. In every project submitted, we deeply felt a shared dream of a fairer, more inclusive, and more livable world. The three valuable projects we selected focus on repairing our bond with both nature and one another through innovative approaches. I believe these initiatives will grow from the tangible impact they create into lasting, hope-giving stories for the future.”

538 applications from 66 cities: Different disciplines united around common benefit

Once again launched under the message “For Everyone’s Benefit,” the Borusan Sustainable Benefit Program received 538 applications from 66 cities this cycle. Beyond this record number, the diversity of applicant profiles was equally notable. Ranging from teachers and civil society professionals to cooperatives, artists, and academics, the broad applicant profile demonstrates the program’s cross-disciplinary impact potential.

Within the scope of the program, projects centered on themes such as supporting climate-resilient living spaces, protecting natural assets and biodiversity, supporting local development and production, ensuring accessibility, developing examples of inclusive design, and strengthening equality in education were evaluated.

The projects to be supported were finalized through the evaluations of a jury composed of members specializing in different disciplines. The jury included: Brand and Communication Strategist Ahmet Akın; Dünya Newspaper Sustainability Columnist Aslı Dede; Yılmam Dünya Founder and Chair of the Board Kıvılcım Kocabıyık; UN Global Compact Network Turkey Secretary General Melda Çele; Borusan Holding Corporate Communications Manager Dr. Dilek Özkan; Impact Hub Istanbul Co-Founder Semih Yaşar Boyacı; and Research Specialist and Sociologist Sevinç Küçükoğlu.

3 inspiring projects mobilizing for social transformation and nature

Following a rigorous evaluation process, the jury selected three projects to be supported.

Focused on combating the climate crisis, the “Wildlife and Community Resilience Program Following Megafires” examines changes in wildlife habitat use and human-wildlife interactions in Muğla. Drawing on data gathered through camera-trap studies, comprehensive habitat analyses, and consultations with local stakeholders, the project aims to develop innovative conservation recommendations that support ecological and social resilience following wildfires.

Selected for support under the focus area of reducing inequalities, the social initiative “VolleyVoice Accessible Stands Project” enables visually impaired fans to follow sporting events directly from the stands through live audio description. Offering an end-to-end accessible match experience, the project aims not only to foster an inclusive culture in sports but also to turn this accessibility into a sustainable model.

Also launched with the goal of reducing inequalities, the “Master the Screen: Digital Resilience Program for Older Adults” project is a community-based workshop program building digital skills and confidence for individuals aged 55 and above in Istanbul and Ankara. Through various learning modules covering information literacy, digital safety, and critical usage, it aims to turn participants into more effective stakeholders in the digital world. The project also seeks to build peer support networks and provide data to decision-makers on digital design practices that address the needs of older adults.

In addition to a TL 600,000 grant, the projects selected by Borusan receive end-to-end support including needs analyses, business model development training, mentorship, visibility, project promotion, and communications management. Entrepreneurs also gain access to the broad communication networks of Borusan and Impact Hub Istanbul, enabling them to reach wider audiences with their projects.

Projects to be supported in the fourth cycle of the Borusan Sustainable Benefit Program:

• Natura Association – Wildlife and Community Resilience Program Following Megafires (Team: Özlem Parlar Ürker, Dr. Yasin İlemin, Assoc. Prof. Okan Ürker)
• VolleyVoice – Accessible Stands Project (Team: Nihan Cabbaroğlu, İbrahim Ünsal, Ayşe Nur Çelik, Elif Kain)
• Master the Screen: Digital Resilience Program for Older Adults (Team: Esra Özgür)