FOUNDATION CHARTER
NAME OF THE FOUNDATION
Article 1 – The name of the foundation is TÜRKİYE GENÇLİK VE EĞİTİME HİZMET VAKFI (TÜRGEV) [Turkey Youth and Education Services Foundation]. It is established in accordance with the Turkish Civil Code and holds legal personality. In this charter, the term "FOUNDATION" is used as an abbreviation.
HEADQUARTERS AND BRANCHES OF THE FOUNDATION
Article 2 – The headquarters of the Foundation is located at Halitpaşa Street, İslambey Neighborhood No: 11, Eyüp-Istanbul. The complete address of the Foundation and any subsequent changes to this address shall be notified to the inspection authority. With the permission of the authorized bodies, the Foundation may establish branches and representative offices both within Turkey and abroad, and their organizational structures shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
PURPOSE OF THE FOUNDATION
Article 3 – The purpose of the Foundation is to contribute to the material, moral, cultural, artistic, literary, scientific, technical, and athletic education, training, and development of the youth and children of the country, primarily, and globally; to raise awareness among young people about the responsibilities they will undertake; and to ensure they possess all necessary capabilities to benefit humanity. For these aims, the Foundation may operate domestically and internationally, provide all kinds of material and moral support, and take necessary initiatives.
ACTIVITIES THE FOUNDATION MAY ENGAGE IN TO FULFILL ITS PURPOSE
Article 4
a) In order to achieve its objectives, the Foundation may carry out all kinds of activities both within and outside of Turkey, particularly those listed below.
b) The Foundation may acquire all types of movable and immovable assets, tangible and intangible rights, intellectual and industrial rights, and receivables from public and private, real and legal persons both domestically and abroad. It may establish economic enterprises that operate under regular business principles to generate income for the Foundation, operate them directly or through authorized individuals under supervision; accept rights in rem such as easement, usufruct, residence, superficies, pledge, and mortgage over immovable properties; borrow funds; offer its own movable and immovable assets as collateral; receive and provide guarantees such as suretyship and pledges; establish or join funds; and lend or borrow interest-bearing or interest-free funds to/from real persons, companies, associations, foundations, or equivalent institutions and organizations within or outside Turkey.
c) The Foundation may, through testamentary dispositions or purchases and leases, acquire assets aligned with its purposes; sell, transfer, or dispose of them; collect and spend revenues and profits; make investments to increase the income of one or more immovable properties in its possession; manage, utilize, and spend the movable and immovable assets and funds acquired by donation, testament, or similar means in line with or partially dedicated to its purpose. The Foundation may obtain donations and loans both domestically and internationally to fulfill its goals.
ç) The Foundation may independently or in collaboration with public and private institutions, real or legal persons, operate on a national and international scale; support their activities materially and morally; form commercial partnerships; establish or participate in civil society organizations or social-purpose institutions (foundations, associations, platforms, or similar organizations abroad as regulated by local laws); organize events jointly with these entities and cover the related expenses; make donations, provide financial support, or invest capital; and transfer funds domestically and internationally for such purposes.
d) The Foundation may organize or participate in international congresses and meetings with existing or future foundations; establish and support economic enterprises and companies aligned with the Foundation’s purpose; operate them directly or via an authorized individual under supervision; accept rights in rem over immovable properties; borrow and offer its own assets as collateral; establish supportive funds for its objectives and services.
e) The Foundation may independently or jointly with public and private organizations, real or legal persons, establish or participate in economic enterprises or companies both domestically and internationally.
f) Another goal of the Foundation is to open and operate schools, faculties, universities, educational centers, dormitories, guesthouses, recreational facilities, and similar establishments.
g) To support youth in literature, science, culture, arts, and all forms of media, and to organize award-based competitions and prepare educational programs for encouragement.
h) To provide in-kind and cash support to creators and owners of intellectual and artistic works.
i) To guide youth toward positive development through all forms of media, including print, audio, and visual; to establish printing houses, video and cinema centers; and to prepare or purchase broadcast materials and cooperate with related media institutions.
j) To provide domestic and international scholarships to youth in accordance with the Foundation’s objectives.
k) The Foundation may offer financial aid to support all types of youth development domestically and internationally in line with its objectives.
l) The Foundation may establish free or fee-based centers where youth can work, rest, and engage in purpose-driven activities or specialized projects, and may provide necessary infrastructure for such purposes.
m) The Foundation may offer opportunities to foreign youth in its domestic or international centers, branches, or representative offices to engage in activities aligned with the Foundation's goals.
n) To foster the physical and intellectual development of youth, the Foundation may organize, support, and promote cultural, artistic, and sports activities independently or in cooperation with central and local governments.
o) In line with its objectives, the Foundation may establish and operate periodic or non-periodic educational institutions and supportive training centers, and take steps to create institutions offering vocational and academic training post-university.
p) To preserve, research, and promote historical, cultural, scientific, and artistic works and heritage, the Foundation may organize or participate in seminars, briefings, debates, conferences, and similar events. It may establish, support, or partner with museums, art galleries, youth centers, and similar venues.
r) To provide material and moral support to print, audio, and visual media outlets and individuals aligned with the Foundation’s purpose.
s) Ultimately, the Foundation may engage in any initiative, transaction, acquisition, contract, or commercial activity deemed useful and necessary to fulfill all or any of its purposes, and may exercise all rights and authorities granted under the Turkish Civil Code and other applicable legislation.
ASSETS OF THE FOUNDATION
Article 5 – The founding capital of the Foundation is 5,000,000,000 TL, which has been allocated to the Foundation by its founders. Revenues generated from various income-generating activities and donations are also included in the Foundation's assets.
INCOME OF THE FOUNDATION
Article 6
a) All kinds of donations, whether in-kind, cash, movable, immovable, intellectual, or industrial rights, made by public and private institutions, and by real and legal persons, both domestically and abroad.
b) Fees received in return for services provided by facilities established in line with the Foundation's purposes, and any in-kind or cash income derived from these enterprises.
c) Income from concerts, fashion shows, exhibitions, performances, and all kinds of social events organized for the benefit of the Foundation.
d) Rental income, sales proceeds, interest, and other earnings derived from the Foundation’s movable and immovable properties and deposits.
EXPENDITURE OF THE FOUNDATION'S INCOME
Article 7 – At least two-thirds of the Foundation’s gross annual income shall be allocated and spent for the purposes of the Foundation. The remaining one-third shall be allocated to administrative and maintenance expenses and to investments intended to increase the Foundation’s income. The portion of the income designated for the Foundation’s purposes cannot be used for any other purposes under any circumstances. However, the portion allocated for management, maintenance, or investment to increase the Foundation's assets may, in whole or in part, be spent on services aligned with the Foundation’s objectives.
ORGANS OF THE FOUNDATION
Article 8 – The organs of the Foundation are:
a) The Foundation Assembly
b) The Board of Directors
c) The General Directorate of the Foundation
d) The Audit Board
e) The Advisory Committee of the Foundation
FOUNDATION ASSEMBLY
Article 9 – The Foundation Assembly consists of the founding members listed in the annex of this charter, those who make significant donations to the Foundation after its establishment, and individuals who have contributed to achieving the Foundation's objectives. Members are selected upon the proposal of the Board of Directors and the approval of four-fifths (4/5) of the Foundation Assembly. Membership terminates through a decision by the Foundation Assembly with a four-fifths (4/5) vote upon the proposal of the Board of Directors.
DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES OF THE FOUNDATION ASSEMBLY
Article 10 – The Foundation Assembly is the highest advisory and decision-making body of the Foundation and is responsible for:
Electing the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, regular and substitute members of the Board of Directors, and regular and substitute members of the Audit Board for a term of three years.
Reviewing and approving the budget and activity reports prepared by the Board of Directors.
Reviewing audit reports and granting discharge to members of the Board of Directors and auditors.
Discussing and deciding on matters submitted by the Board of Directors, and determining the main principles guiding the Board’s activities.
Discussing and resolving proposed amendments to the Foundation's official charter.
Making amendments to the Foundation Charter when necessary and deciding on the dissolution or liquidation of the Foundation.
MEETINGS OF THE FOUNDATION ASSEMBLY
Article 11
The Foundation Assembly convenes regularly in May each year. Extraordinary meetings may be called at any time by the Board of Directors.
The meeting date, location, time, and agenda shall be communicated to members at least 15 days in advance either by hand with signature confirmation or via the registered email addresses on file.
If the majority of members are not present at the first meeting, a second meeting will be held at the same place and time 7 days later without the need for a new notice. No quorum is required at the second meeting, and decisions are made by the majority of those present.
A presiding board consisting of one chairperson and two clerks is elected to manage the Foundation Assembly meeting.
Each member has one vote. A member who cannot attend may authorize another member in writing to vote on their behalf. A member may represent only one other member.
Amendments to the Foundation Charter require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the members present.
The Foundation Assembly elects the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, members and alternates of the Board and Audit Board by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of those present.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS, PRESIDENT, AND REPRESENTATION
Article 12 – The Board of Directors of the Foundation consists of nine members who are either selected from within the Foundation Assembly or externally. Five substitute members are also elected. The Board of Directors must hold its first meeting within 15 days following the Foundation Assembly meeting, during which the Vice President is elected and other assignments are made. In the event of resignation, death, or other circumstances causing a vacancy in the Board or Audit Board, the position is filled from among the substitute members by the Board of Directors. The term of office for members of the Board of Directors is three (3) years. The quorum for Board meetings is a simple majority.
In the absence of the Chairperson of the Board, the Vice Chairperson presides over Board meetings. The Board may authorize the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, or the General Director to act on behalf of the Foundation.
DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Article 13
a) To represent the Foundation.
b) To make and execute decisions regarding all matters of the Foundation that are not within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Foundation Assembly.
c) To determine membership dues and secure income for the Foundation.
d) To call the Foundation Assembly for its regular meeting each May and to call extraordinary meetings when deemed necessary.
e) To prepare the work programs for the Foundation and its affiliated partnerships and enterprises, as well as for the General Directorate of the Foundation; to provide necessary financial resources for their implementation; to arrange work and management premises; to appoint personnel, determine their duties, authorities, responsibilities, and salaries, and to terminate employment when necessary.
f) To acquire and manage all movable and immovable properties, cash assets, rights with monetary value, shares, promissory notes, and similar securities; to accept rights in rem such as usufruct, residence, or superficies; to accept donations, wills, and other death-related transfers, or to acquire through purchase or lease; and to take all necessary legal and administrative actions for the Foundation to assume ownership.
g) To call the Foundation Assembly for an extraordinary meeting.
h) To present the Foundation Assembly with reports and information about the annual activities, budget, and work programs.
i) To make decisions regarding the organizational structure and staff of the Foundation, to review and approve proposals submitted by the General Director.
j) To prepare internal regulations governing the Foundation’s activities and to make amendments when necessary.
k) To determine those authorized to represent the Foundation in public and private institutions and to sign on behalf of the Foundation, including defining the scope of their authority.
l) To propose amendments to the Foundation Charter to the Foundation Assembly when necessary.
m) To establish close relations and collaborate with other foundations conducting activities similar to those of the Foundation.
n) To determine and announce the criteria for admitting students to schools, courses, and similar educational institutions established by the Foundation.
o) To provide domestic and international higher education scholarships to graduates of the Foundation’s educational institutions.
p) The Board of Directors may delegate limited authority to individuals it deems appropriate for conducting any work or action required to achieve the Foundation’s purpose.
r) To decide on the formation of provincial representations and to appoint and dismiss representatives and their assistants.
s) To decide on the establishment of an Advisory Committee and to appoint and dismiss its members.
MEETINGS AND DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Article 14
a) The Board of Directors meets at least once a month.
b) The meeting agenda is prepared by the General Directorate and approved by the Board of Directors.
c) Meetings are held with the participation of the simple majority of Board members, and decisions are made by the majority of those present.
d) A Board member who fails to attend three consecutive meetings without a valid excuse approved by the Board is deemed to have resigned from the Board.
APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES
Article 15 – When necessary, the Board of Directors may appoint one or more of its members or external individuals as representatives or proxies for specific Foundation tasks or for the acceptance of conditional or unconditional donations.
AUDIT BOARD
Article 16 – The Audit Board consists of three (3) principal and two (2) substitute members who are experts in inspection and auditing services. They are elected by the Foundation Assembly for a term of three years. Members may be re-elected. In the event of a vacancy, substitute members are appointed by the Board of Directors in the order listed. The Audit Board examines the annual accounts and inventories of all Foundation departments, businesses, and partnerships, and presents a signed report to the Foundation Assembly. The Foundation Assembly shall not approve or ratify the Foundation’s accounts without the Audit Board’s report. Members of the Audit Board may be granted an honorarium determined by the Board of Directors. All legitimate expenses they incur shall be reimbursed.
GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF THE FOUNDATION
Article 17 – The General Director of the Foundation may be selected by the Board of Directors either from among its own members or from outside. If the selected person is not a founding member and is chosen from within the Board, they must resign from their position on the Board. The duties, authorities, and responsibilities of the General Director, as well as the organizational structure and positions within the General Directorate and the salaries of each role, shall be defined in a directive prepared by the Board of Directors.
The General Director is responsible for conducting all administrative and executive activities of the Foundation, exercising the powers delegated by the Board of Directors, executing assigned duties, implementing decisions taken, and participating in Board meetings to provide opinions and input.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE FOUNDATION
Article 18 – The Board of Directors may establish an Advisory Committee to benefit from expertise in specific subjects and fields when needed. Members of the Advisory Committee shall be selected from among individuals who are experts in their fields, possess a vision aligned with the Foundation's mission and goals, and are believed to add value through their knowledge, experience, and insight.
The authority to decide on the establishment of the Advisory Committee, to appoint and dismiss its members, lies with the Board of Directors. The term of office for Advisory Committee members is one year. However, the Board of Directors has the authority to dismiss members before their term expires. The Advisory Committee may submit advisory reports to the Board of Directors. The evaluation of such reports is at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
PROVINCIAL REPRESENTATION
Article 19 – The Board of Directors may, when deemed necessary, decide to establish a provincial representation in any province, determining the number of members according to the local conditions.
The authority to decide on the establishment of provincial representations, to appoint and dismiss provincial representatives and their assistants, belongs to the Board of Directors.
The term of office for appointed provincial representatives is one year. However, the Board may dismiss them before the end of their term. Provincial representatives may be selected from within or outside the Foundation Assembly.
Provincial representatives may not exercise authority beyond that granted by the Board of Directors. Their duties and powers are determined by the Board.
INSPECTION AUTHORITY
Article 20 – The Foundation is subject to the inspection and supervision of the Directorate General of Foundations on behalf of the State.
FISCAL YEAR
Article 21 – The fiscal year of the Foundation begins on January 1st and ends on December 31st of each year.
SIGNATORY AUTHORITY AND DELEGATION
Article 22 – The Chairperson of the Board of Directors is authorized to sign on behalf of the Foundation. However, the Board may, by resolution, delegate signatory authority—within defined limits regarding subject matter, amount, etc.—to the General Director, Board members, Foundation Assembly members, Foundation employees, or others. The Board of Directors has full authority on matters of representation and commitment. The Board may delegate authority within specified limits by resolution.
TERMINATION OF THE FOUNDATION
Article 23 – In the event that the Foundation must be dissolved for any reason, such a decision shall be made by the Foundation Assembly upon the proposal of the Board of Directors. In case of dissolution, the Foundation’s assets shall be transferred to another foundation or an official institution that serves the same purpose, as determined by the Foundation Assembly.
FOUNDING MEMBERS OF THE FOUNDATION
Article 24 – The founders of the Foundation are listed below:
Prof. Dr. Adem Baştürk
Necmettin Üçyıldız
Ahmet Ergün
Dr. Mehmet Hilmi Güler
Ali İbiş
Dr. İzzet Özgenç
İdris Naim Şahin
INTERPRETATION OF THE FOUNDATION CHARTER
Article 25 – The interpretation of any provision of this Foundation Charter belongs exclusively to the Foundation Assembly, and its decision is final. In matters not addressed herein, relevant legal provisions shall apply.
MEMBERS OF THE FOUNDATION ASSEMBLY OF THE TURKEY YOUTH AND EDUCATION SERVICES FOUNDATION (TÜRGEV)
Ahmet BAYRAKTUTAR
Ahmet ERGÜN
Arzu AKALIN
Atila KANBUR
Ayhan ÖZGÜREL
Aysel DEMİREL
Ayşe KARDAŞ
Ayşen GÜRCAN
Bülent TURAN
Doruk MALHAN
Esra ALBAYRAK
Fatma BİLİM
Fatmanur ALTUN
Fehmi BİLGE
Gülcan GÜMÜŞ
Hafize Şule ALBAYRAK
Halime KÖKÇE
Hasan CAN
Hatice AKINCI YILMAZ
İbrahim EREN
İffet POLAT
İsmail KAAN
İzzet ÖZGENÇ
Kemal SAYAR
Kübra GÜRAN YİĞİTBAŞI
Mehmet Doğan KUBAT
Mehmet Fatih KALENDER
Melike GÜNYÜZ
Mevlüt UYSAL
Murat ŞEKER
Mustafa ATAŞ
Mustafa DEMİR
Necmeddin Bilal ERDOĞAN
Osman BOZKURT
Reyhan UZUNER
Seda KALYONCU
Serhat ALBAYRAK
Sibel ERARSLAN
Sultan IŞIK
Tülay KALAV
Ümit MERİÇ
Yasemin SOLMAZ
Zeynep Feyza EKER AYHAN
Ziya İLGEN
