What’s the difference between donations and aid collection in Turkey?

For "aid collection", the organization should take an active role and make a request. In other words, a CSO who aims to collect aid should apply for a permission from public authority. But donations can be realized by a person’s own will and it’s not compulsory for a CSO to apply for a permit. Besides, "aid collection" can be performed to achieve a designated goal, however, it’s not necessary to set a specific goal for donations.

For this reason, it's recommended to avoid such actions like advertising, making a call, directing people to donate, which may be perceived as "aid collection" until the application for permission to collect aid is finalized.

It’s recommended to create different bank accounts for aid collection and donations. Please be noted that the bank accounts for aid collection are inspected at the end of the permit period. 

More details on this regard can be found at primary legislation below;

• Law of Associations (in Turkish)
• Turkish Civil Code (Provisions on Associations and Foundations) - (in Turkish)
• Law of Charity Collection (in Turkish)
• Regulation on Associations  (in Turkish)
• Regulation on Charity Collection Principles and Procedures (in Turkish)

For more information on aid collection can be found at the website of DG of Relations with Civil Society.