KTLN would like to announce the launch of a new fund, called The KTLN Trust, which will be used to support various projects and good causes in Kalkan.

What is The KTLN Trust?
The KTLN Trust is a UK based fund that is being established by the people behind the Kalkan Turkish Local News website.  KTLN will encourage people to donate to the fund, particularly those who use the free KTLN website.

Why have you set it up?
Because we believe that many people who visit Kalkan, or live here, have the means and the desire to contribute to a fund that can be used to support deserving causes in and around Kalkan.  We believe that together, we can make a difference.

How do we donate?
It's very easy.  All you have to do is go to the Donate to The KTLN Trust page on the KTLN website.

Doesn't that money go to KTLN to run the website?
No.  Let us explain.  

KTLN is not run as a business - it's a hobby.  When we originally set up the website we sought voluntary donations to defray some of our set up and running costs.  However, the success of the site is such, (over 500 members have registered in our first 30 days), that we have attracted a small number of business sponsors.  This means that our costs will be covered.  Importantly, KTLN also gives you a commitment that where business sponsorship exceeds our costs, we will donate any surplus toThe KTLN Trust.

So KTLN does not need any money from you.  This website is completely free to use.  It runs on a bit of business sponsorship and a lot of goodwill.  No longer will we ask you to consider a voluntary donation to help us run the website.  Instead, we would very much like you to consider making a donation to The KTLN Trust.

Where will the money be spent?
All of the money will be spent in Kalkan or surrounding areas.  

Who decides how the money is allocated?
The decision will be taken by a group of 5 people, the trustees, all of whom live in Kalkan.  The composition of the trustees may change from time to time, but intially they are (in alphabetical order):

• Tufan Alkach  With dual British/Turkish citizenship, Tufan has worked in the UK as an IT consultant, but is now retired and has lived in Kalkan since 2005.  
• Tarık Bak  A Turkish citizen who came to Kalkan from Istanbul in 1987.  Tarık is a respected businessman in Kalkan.
• John Fedorowycz  A British national with Turkish residency, who has been coming to Kalkan since 2002, and retired here in 2007.  John established KTLN jointly with his brother Neil, who lives in the UK.
• Mia Nauwelaerts  A Belgian national with Turkish residency, who is retired and has lived in Kalkan since 2003.
• Yasemin Okçu  A Turkish citizen, originally from Antalya, Yasemin is the manager of Deniz Bank in Kalkan.

What they all have in common is a love of Kalkan, and a desire to ensure any money raised is spent wisely.

Who will benefit?
This will be at the discretion of the trustees.  Due regard will be taken of any suggestions made by donors, however we cannot accept conditional donations - i.e. donated for a specific cause only.  If you donate to The KTLN Trust you have to accept the judgement of the trustees making the decisions.

We will consult with people in Kalkan, including the Mayor and his team, and organisations such as the Kalkander Association, as well as members of the public, in order to identify which worthy causes we would like to support.  For example, we may choose to support a specific event in Kalkan, an individual or group of individuals or perhaps a local project.

How much of the money collected will be deducted for administration?
There will be no deductions whatsoever by KTLN.  If you donate through online banking, every penny that you donate goes to the beneficiaries.  If you choose to donate by debit or credit card using the Paypal service, they will make a deduction of 3.4% plus 20p per transaction.  Clearly, we would prefer you to donate through an online banking transfer.

When and how will we know where the money is going?
KTLN will have a page dedicated to this fund, which will show the donations received, and also where the money is being spent.  There will be total transparency.  We would also add that The KTLN Trust will be audited once a year by an independent auditor.  

Will you show my name or will my donation be anonymous?
We appreciate that some people prefer to give anonymously, whilst others are happy to have their names mentioned.  KTLN totally respects your right to choose, and you will have an option to donate anonymously if you so wish.

Summary
So there it is.  An opportunity for you to make a difference in Kalkan.  At KTLN we have done all we can to make it easy for you to donate, and we hope we have provided you with assurances as to our good intentions and the integrity of those involved in this initiative.  Now it's over to you. 

If you get something out of this website - if you think it has some value, please translate that into a donation.  Personal donations already received towards the running of the KTLN website will be transferred to The KTLN Trust fund.

Thank you so much for supporting The KTLN Trust.