For a Viable Future

Strengthening language, culture and critical thinking in the Armenian world

The Armenian Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation works in the domains of language, culture, education, and research. We are in a unique position to influence these areas in ways that enhance the Armenian nation globally. Through our funding priorities, we aim to achieve transformative change, particularly in the Diaspora, based on our financial and political independence, broad network of partners, innovative programming, experience and track-record of philanthropic work over many decades. As a non-partisan Foundation, above the political fray of the Armenian world, our grant-making is driven solely by the desire to have a positive impact.

The goal of the Armenian Communities Department is to have sustainable diasporan communities, where Armenian culture, identity and education are stronger, and to enhance open-minded critical engagement on national issues in Armenia.

In the Diaspora, we focus on Western Armenian and on cultural creativity, which are essential for sustainable communities. In Armenia, we focus on research support and translations.

We also provide hundreds of university scholarships every year, investing in future intellectuals, scholars and leaders.

We have grouped our activities into the following strategic pillars that constitute our key areas of intervention:

    1. Western Armenian language
    2. Cultural creativity support
    3. Research Support and Critical Engagement
    4. University scholarships

The Armenian Communities Department concentrates on issues to which it can bring a substantial value added in the Armenian world. Our value-added is rooted in our unique diaspora-centric approach, while our mission statement and programming reflect the duality of the Armenian world: Diaspora and Armenia.

Our direct beneficiaries range from schoolchildren to established intellectuals, from civil society organisations to universities. In any given year, projects and individuals are supported in 15-20 countries. The ultimate beneficiaries are Armenians throughout the world who care about the language and the culture of the Diaspora, who want to maintain their identity as Armenians, and who want to work for and live in an open and democratic society in Armenia.

The programming priorities of the Department are rooted in its forthcoming Five Year Plan.

Updated on 02 march 2023

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