Vehbi Koç Foundation, which is one of the first charitable foundations of the Turkish Republic, was established on 17th January 1969 by Vehbi Koç with the aim to revitalize the custom of foundation dating far back, yet sunk into oblivion in Turkey. The Foundation started to carry out extensive activities in the field of education, health and culture, which are among the basic requirements of life for a modern and developing Turkey and has been a model for philanthropists since its establishment. It founded many premises like schools, dormitories, libraries and clinics, and transferred those to the related public institutions. It paved the way by first establishing educational, health and cultural institutions, and then by managing them on a non-profit basis. In order to create equal opportunities, it provided scholarships to thousands of talented youngsters, who have limited financial means.

In the early 1980s, the Management of the Foundation entered into an intensive working period in order to realize well-funded and well-organized projects in the areas it worked on. Experiences were showing that keeping an art work alive is as much important as creating that art work. Therefore, the Foundation would assume the responsibility of operation of the premises it established by planning down to the last detail, so that it maintains the quality of services rendered by these institutions at the highest level. It would act as a model for the society with its institutions, each of which has been turned into a center of excellence. Institutions of the Foundation, which were established based on this approach, continue their studies with the aim to light the way for the educational, health and cultural world in Turkey.
In addition to the institutions serving its reason of existence, Vehbi Koç Foundation provides the public with its large scale projects..

Through the institutions managed by the Foundation in the field of education, health and culture, with the projects it supports and the regular programs it carries out, Vehbi Koç Foundation aims to contribute to the rapid development of Turkey and to serve the country by setting an example for “the best” in all of its activities and via sustainable and reproducible models.

Institutions

Education

The Koç School (High School 1988, Elementary School 1998)
Koç University (1993)
Koç Elementary Schools (1998-2003)
Model Elementary School Project (planned to be opened in 2016)

Healthcare

Semahat Arsel Nursing Education and Research Center (SANERC, 1992)
VKV American Hospital (1995)
Koç University School of Nursing (1999)
Koç University School of Medicine (2010)
Koç University Health Sciences Campus (planned to be opened in 2014)

Culture

Sadberk Hanım Museum (1980)
Vehbi Koç Ankara Studies Research Center (VEKAM, 1994)
Suna – İnan Kıraç Institute on Mediterranean Civilizations (AKMED, 1996)
Koç University Research Center for Anatolian Civilizations (RCAC, 2005)
TANAS Art Gallery (Berlin, 2008-2013)
ARTER-Space for Art (Istanbul, 2010)
Vehbi koç Foundation Ford Otosan Cultural and Community Center

Vehbi Koç Award

Throughout his entire life, Mr. Vehbi Koç had the desire to recognize the signifcant contribution made by individuals and/or institutions by granting an Award. His visionary objective has been delivered with great pride in 2002 by the Vehbi Koç Foundation with the launch of the ‘Vehbi Koç Award’ The Foundation, which deems supporting persons and/or institutions serving for and contributing to the benefit of the country as a social responsibility and honorable duty, aims to promote and reward the services that add value and set an example for the society. Each year, Vehbi Koç Foundation grants Vehbi Koç Award to people or institutions, which have made significant contribution to the development of Turkey and Turkish people in the field of education, health or culture.