Open Call: Armenian Communities Project Grant Program

Deadline: 12-Dec-2026

The Armenian Communities Project Grant Program supports cultural, educational, research, and philanthropic initiatives that strengthen the Armenian world in Armenia and the Diaspora. The program prioritizes Western Armenian language, Armenian cultural creativity, and research and critical engagement related to Armenia. Funding is flexible, competitively awarded, and open to individuals and organizations worldwide through a structured online application process.

Program Overview

The Armenian Communities Project Grant Program provides financial support for projects that positively impact Armenian communities globally, including initiatives based in Armenia and throughout the Diaspora.

The program is administered by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and supports projects that engage meaningfully with Armenian language, culture, creativity, research, and critical inquiry. Funding decisions are guided by strategic priorities, project quality, and available resources.

The program primarily supports small to medium-sized initiatives, with flexibility to consider larger projects when they demonstrate strong alignment with the Foundation’s objectives.

Priority Areas of Support

All proposed projects must align with at least one of the Foundation’s priority areas.

Western Armenian Language

• Preservation and revitalization of Western Armenian
• Language education, learning tools, and innovative teaching approaches
• Cultural or research projects that strengthen language use and transmission

Cultural Creativity Support in Armenian

• Artistic and cultural production in Armenian
• Literature, performing arts, visual arts, and digital creativity
• Projects that encourage contemporary Armenian cultural expression

Research and Critical Engagement in Armenia

• Academic or applied research related to Armenian society, history, or culture
• Critical analysis, policy research, and knowledge production
• Projects that contribute to informed dialogue and long-term development

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

The Foundation supports projects that:

• Engage with Armenian themes and issues
• Demonstrate originality, relevance, and potential impact
• Are feasible and sustainable beyond the funding period
• Include clear objectives and evaluation mechanisms

Both individual-led and organization-led projects are eligible, regardless of nationality or country of implementation.

Funding Amount and Structure

There are no fixed minimum or maximum funding limits.

Key funding characteristics include:

• Award amounts depend on project quality, alignment with priorities, and available funds
• Funding is typically partial rather than full
• Small to medium-sized projects are most commonly supported
• Larger initiatives may be considered with strong strategic alignment

Running or ongoing operational costs are generally not eligible for funding.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligible Applicants

The program is open to:

• Individuals
• Non-profit organizations
• Cultural, educational, and research institutions

Applicants may be based anywhere in the world, provided the project aligns with the Armenian Communities priorities.

There are no nationality restrictions.

Eligible and Ineligible Costs

Eligible Costs

• Project-specific activities and outputs
• Research, production, or program-related expenses
• Clearly justified project travel or materials

Ineligible Costs

• General running or operational costs
• Ongoing institutional expenses not tied to the project
• Budgets lacking clarity or justification

All requested costs must be directly linked to the proposed project.

Application Language and Budget Requirements

Accepted Languages

Project proposals may be submitted in:

• English
• Armenian
• French
• Portuguese

Budget Requirements

• A proposed budget is mandatory for all applications
• No specific budget template is required
• Budgets must be realistic, detailed, and well-structured

Budget currency rules:

• Americas: USD
• United Kingdom: GBP
• Armenia, Lebanon, Turkey, and all other regions: EUR

Budgets that do not follow these rules may be considered incomplete.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Register and create a MyGulbenkian account
2. Access the Armenian Communities Project Grant Program application
3. Complete all mandatory application fields
4. Upload all required documents
5. Prepare and attach a clear project budget in the correct currency
6. Submit the application online before the relevant deadline

Only fully completed applications are considered valid.

Application Cycles and Deadlines

Applications are reviewed three times per year.

Submission deadlines:

• 30 April (reviewed in May)
• 31 August (reviewed in September)
• 12 December (reviewed in January)

Applications are suspended annually from mid-December to mid-January for year-end accounting.

Application limits:

• Only one proposal per applicant per application cycle
• The same or similar project may not be submitted more than once in the same year

Evaluation and Selection Process

Project selection is conducted by a dedicated committee within the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.

In some cases:

• External experts or references may be consulted
• Online meetings may be requested
• Additional documentation or clarification may be required

All evaluations comply with European privacy and data protection laws.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Alignment with priority areas
• Originality and relevance
• Feasibility and sustainability
• Potential cultural, educational, or research impact
• Adequacy of financial and human resources
• Applicant’s qualifications and experience
• Presence of clear evaluation or monitoring mechanisms

Why This Program Matters

The Armenian Communities Project Grant Program plays a vital role in:

• Preserving and revitalizing Armenian language and culture
• Supporting creative and intellectual production in Armenian
• Strengthening research and critical engagement related to Armenia
• Connecting Diaspora and homeland initiatives
• Enabling meaningful, community-driven impact

By offering flexible funding and broad eligibility, the program supports diverse voices and innovative approaches across the Armenian world.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects that do not clearly align with priority areas
• Providing incomplete application forms or missing documents
• Submitting unrealistic or poorly justified budgets
• Requesting funding primarily for running costs
• Reapplying with the same project within the same year

Clear alignment, completeness, and clarity are essential for success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a maximum grant amount?

No. There are no fixed minimum or maximum funding limits.

Who can apply for this program?

Both individuals and organizations from any country may apply.

Does the Foundation fully fund projects?

Typically, the Foundation provides partial funding rather than full project coverage.

What languages are accepted for applications?

Applications may be submitted in English, Armenian, French, or Portuguese.

How often are applications reviewed?

Applications are reviewed three times per year, in May, September, and January.

Can I submit more than one application per cycle?

No. Only one proposal per applicant is allowed per application cycle.

Are running costs eligible?

Generally, no. Running and operational costs are usually not supported.

Conclusion

The Armenian Communities Project Grant Program offers flexible, competitive funding for projects that strengthen Armenian language, culture, creativity, and research worldwide. With open eligibility, multiple application cycles, and a strong focus on quality and impact, the program provides a valuable opportunity for individuals and organizations to contribute meaningfully to the Armenian world in Armenia and the Diaspora.

For more information, visit Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.