How Diaspora Philanthropy Strengthens Civil Society
About the session
At a time when civic space is shrinking globally, relationships of trust are increasingly carrying the weight that formal systems cannot.
This session explores diaspora philanthropy as a powerful but often underexamined form of infrastructure. Beyond financial contributions, diaspora communities mobilize trust, relationships, and cultural understanding to connect with and support grassroots organizations working in complex and constrained environments.
Using Türkiye as a case study, and drawing on the experience of Türkiye Mozaik Foundation, the conversation will examine how diaspora philanthropy can act as a bridge between communities abroad and locally rooted actors driving systemic change. It will also explore how trust operates across distance, and what it takes to build, maintain, and scale it in practice.
Rather than a panel, this is a participatory session designed to surface shared experience and collective insight.
What to expect
A short framing introduction followed by a facilitated, open discussion. Participants will be invited to share perspectives, challenges, and approaches, with space for dialogue across different roles and contexts.
Who this is for
This session is for philanthropy practitioners, diaspora donors, grassroots leaders, civil society organizations, researchers, and policymakers interested in more equitable, trust based approaches to funding social change.
What you will get out of it
A deeper understanding of diaspora philanthropy as a form of trust based infrastructure
Practical insights into building and sustaining trust across borders
Perspectives on shifting power toward locally rooted organizations
Opportunities to connect with others working at the intersection of philanthropy and grassroots movements
Hosted by
Türkiye Mozaik Foundation, working to bridge communities in the UK and Türkiye to support locally led, systemic change.
Additional context
This session also creates space to connect with organizations interested in supporting work in Türkiye and to explore opportunities for collaboration, partnership, and co funding across the diaspora philanthropy ecosystem.
Location & access
Accessibility matters deeply to us, and we do our best to choose spaces that reflect that. That said, some of our Oxford venues are in historic buildings without lifts. This room is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users, those with mobility challenges, or anyone needing step-free access.