The Foundation
The Tufenkian Foundation was founded in 1999 to help address the most pressing social, economic, cultural, and environmental challenges faced by the people of Armenia. Its founder, entrepreneur James Tufenkian, had already spent over a decade using his business ventures to advance social justice—first in Nepal, then in Armenia. Recognizing that these challenges required more than market solutions alone, the Foundation was created to develop innovative approaches that could make a lasting difference in Armenian communities. For over 25 years, the Foundation has been piloting bold projects, driving innovative solutions, and creating change that resonates across generations. Through these efforts, it continues to nurture thriving, resilient, and empowered Armenian communities throughout Armenia.
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Focus Areas
Resettlement
Supporting the growth of struggling communities through sustainable resettlement with a focus on forcibly displaced people from Artsakh.
Development
Empowering communities through the development of the local economy and investment in community-centered infrastructure.
Resilience
Building the resilience of Armenia’s most vulnerable populations through human rights advocacy and capacity building.
In Your Words
If we decided to take these houses, it means it is necessary - it's something we need. We want to stay [in Svarants] and help this village thrive.
Aram Mirzoyan
We bring a future, and we bring hope. And there is nothing greater thing that humans can do for one another.
Annita Nerses
Our goal was to come in there and create a good model and then this money would have a chance to look at it and replicate it in different parts of the country.
James Tufenkian
The Foundation's guiding mission is to fill vacums. That is to initiate programs that no one else is willing or able to do.
Antranig Kasbarian
Recent
Partners
