Boğaziçi University Foundation (BUVAK), a non-governmental organization (NGO) founded with the aim of providing material and moral support for academic studies, teaching staff, students, graduates and staff of Boğaziçi University (BU). BUVAK was founded in 1978 by BU Rector Professor Aptullah Kuran together with Prof. Nedim Bilgen and Ertuğrul Zekai Ökte, members of the university teaching staff. It is one of the NGOs supported by the
Vehbi Koç Foundation (VKV).
BUVAK first began its social aid and scholarship programs in 1981, later supporting the university by contributing towards academic activities, as well as establishing the Graduate Fund, Environmental Protection Fund, Atatürk Institute for Modern Turkish History Support Fund and the Student Activities Fund in 1984. This was followed in 1989 by academic incentive scholarships and awards.
BUVAK, which received its first in-kind donation in 1992, was granted tax exemption in 1995. Following this development, the foundation expanded its efforts, using resources secured from previous campaigns to support academic studies as well as making significant contributions to the restoration of the university’s historical buildings. It pioneered a large number of projects providing BU with new buildings, laboratories, cultural centers and social space, also providing funds to complete the projects.
The foundation is a partner and founding member of Boğaziçi Education Tourism Technopark Application and Consultancy Services Industry and Trade Inc. (BÜTEK AŞ), BUVAK Commercial Enterprise and Boğaziçi University Technopark Inc.
Boğaziçi University Graduates Association, Boğaziçi University & Robert College International Alumni Association (BURCIN), Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) and the Third Sector Foundation of Turkey (TÜSEV) are BUVAK stakeholders.
The VKV and the Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation feature on BUVAK's Platinum Benefactors list.