About Us
Who We Are
The Tufenkian Foundation was launched in 1999 to address the most pressing social, economic, cultural and environmental challenges facing Armenia. Its founder, entrepreneur James Tufenkian, had already been using his business ventures to promote social justice for over a decade - first in Nepal, then in Armenia. However, it soon became apparent that complex, longstanding issues hindering Armenia’s well-being could not be solved by market forces alone. For almost two decades, the Foundation has worked to meet this need by modeling new approaches to longstanding challenges, while pioneering projects that create changes that can ripple through multiple layers of Armenian society.
JAMES TUFENKIAN
Since 1999, we have completed more than 90 projects in Armenia to combat poverty, promote education, creativity and healthy lifestyle, protect the natural environment, renew national and cultural values, and foster respect for human rights. We also support various community initiatives, civic activism and public advocacy campaigns to help Armenians secure better social and environmental policies.
In 2003, we expanded our scope and mission to include the liberated borderlands of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabagh). These embattled territories bridge Armenia and Artsakh, making them effectively one, and have strategic significance for the peace, security and prosperity of Armenians everywhere. Through a range of projects that create tangible and sustainable outcomes, we aim to rebuild, resettle and revive the liberated lands of Artsakh. Our efforts include the development of infrastructure, education, small-scale agricultural projects, active resettlement, economic development, housing of wounded soldiers and livelihood opportunities.
Alongside these, in 2004 we initiated the new village of Arajamugh from the ground up. The village now features 25 families and associated facilities, which countinue to grow under the supervison of our partner, Artsakh Fund Eastern USA.
