Help for the most vulnerable in Armenia

For infrastructure projects in rural Armenia. We focus on renovating and equipping buildings that are central to the local population – above all kindergartens, day clinics and water supplies. We invest in a few projects at a few locations. As a rule, we do not cover running costs such as electricity, water or salaries; these are the responsibility of the municipality.

Yes, we guarantee it. We do not simply hand out money; we award contracts directly to local businesses. We buy furniture and equipment ourselves, locally whenever possible, to strengthen the local economy. All work is subject to strict cost control to Swiss standards. Because we have been active in Armenia for more than three decades, we know the local costs.

Much of Armenia’s wealth is concentrated in the capital, Yerevan. The further away people live, the poorer the conditions – and that is where we step in. One example is the day clinic in Aygehovit: pregnant women and patients used to travel for hours to the city for check-ups. Today, doctors come to the village several times a week. A whole valley benefits, and projects like this help to slow down emigration.

All projects, including completed ones, are visited roughly every two to three weeks by local staff of the Swiss company AZAD – sometimes unannounced. Members of the foundation board also travel to Armenia at least once a year to visit the sites.

The foundation has no administrative costs. All expenses are covered by friendly Swiss companies. The foundation board works on a voluntary basis and pays its own expenses, for example for trips to Armenia. This way, every franc donated goes entirely into the projects.

Yes. The foundation is recognised as a non-profit organisation in Switzerland, and donations can be deducted from taxes. On request, we are happy to send you a receipt for your tax return.

The Stiftung Hilfe für Armenien is politically and denominationally neutral.