Hayastan All Armenian Fund

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Issued by the Republic of Armenia on 27th of April 1995. The stamp shows the map of Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh, and Nakhijevan.

“Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund is the Republic of Armenia's official charity foundation. It has nineteen affiliates around the world.

Historical Overview

The Republic of Armenia declared its independence in 1991. This was a difficult time for the country, since it had to simultaneously face the challenges of the market economy and undergo many fundamental structural reforms. In addition to those problems associated with the break-up of the Soviet Union, the government had to find solutions to the aftermath of the 1988 Spitak earthquake, an economic blockade and the rehabilitation of areas that had suffered from the Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) conflict.

The Hayastan All-Armenian Fund was founded by Presidential Decree in March 1992. It is a unique institution whose mission is to unite Armenians in Armenia and overseas to overcome the country’s difficulties and to help establish sustainable development in Armenia and Artsakh.

Under the Fund’s charter, the Armenian president is the President of its Board of Trustees. Many other important individuals and institutions in Armenia and in the Armenian Diaspora are also represented. These include the Catholicos of All-Armenians, the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, the Catholicos Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church, the President of Nagorno Karabakh, the prime ministers of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, the chairmen of the RA Constitutional Court and the Central Bank, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the heads of the three main Armenian political parties and of major benevolent institutions such as the AGBU, ARF, the Armenian Assembly of America and other outstanding benefactors and public figures.

The Fund’s first major initiative was the US$22M Winter Humanitarian Project, which alleviated pressing social needs. At the same time the Fund initiated a house-building program following the Spitak 1988 earthquake: providing accommodation to those left without shelter in Gyumri, Vadnazor, Stepanovan and Spitak. The Fund is also providing continuing financial assistance to needy students and families of deceased and invalided soldiers of the Artsakh conflict.

In 1995-99, the Fund was entrusted with implementing major infrastructure development projects, as a result of which it constructed the major Goris-Stepanakert highway. In 2001, it financed the construction of the North-South Highway. This established a road network between cities and villages in Nagorno Karabach and greatly contributed to economic growth in the country. With the completion of these strategically important roads, the Fund successfully implemented two major projects of regional significance.

In parallel with road building, the Fund has embarked on community development projects including the construction and renovation of schools, hospitals, water treatment and supply systems, power transmission lines and cultural centers. Projects have also been implemented in the agricultural sector.

In 2004, the Fund set itself two objectives: to further participate in regional development projects and increase its revenue by 25% every year. This it has achieved, since its income over the last three years was US$9.5M in 2004, US$11.0M in 2005 and US$13.7 in 2006.

In 2005, the Board of Trustees approved the Artzakh Rebirth territorial development project, which opened a new page in the Fund’s activities. The Board unanimously decided to use funds raised in the 2005 and 2006 telethons to revitalize and develop the Nagorno Karabakh regions of Martakert and Hadrout, which had particularly suffered during the Artsakh conflict. In 2006, several projects were initiated in Martakert including agricultural support, water supply, healthcare and school building. A similar project will be initiated in the Hadrout region in 2007.

Since 1996, the Fund has organized annual telethons in Los Angeles. These 12-hour events are not just major fund-raising activities: they draw Armenians together around a single goal and objective. The 2006 telethon was a record, raising US$13.7 to implement the Artshakh Rebirth project.

Annual phonethons proceeding telethons are being held in Armenia, France, a number of European countries, Argentina. They aim at raising funds and informing the public about the forthcoming telethons.

Affiliate organizations in 18 countries worldwide actively participate and contribute to the Fund’s work. These include organizations in the USA (Los Angeles and New York), France, Canada (Toronto and Montreal), Great Britain, Germany, Holland, Lebanon, Australia, Brazil and Argentina.

The Fund, like independent Armenia itself, is celebrating its 15 anniversary this year. During this time it has gained widespread respect and recognition for successfully meeting the needs and aspirations of the time. Always a great support to Armenia, the Fund is committed to its mission of successfully and steadily developing the young country.

Affiliates

External links

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