Small Grant Call for Women-Led Initiatives in Aragatsotn Region (Armenia)

The Women’s Fund Armenia is inviting applications for the Small Grant Call for Women-Led Initiatives in Aragatsotn Region to support community-based projects led by women and girls. The programme funds initiatives that promote women’s rights, gender equality, economic empowerment, leadership, community well-being, environmental sustainability, and support for marginalized women across Aragatsotn Province, particularly Ashtarak and surrounding villages.

Successful applicants can receive grants of up to AMD 1,200,000 for projects lasting 2 to 4 months.

Overview of the Small Grant Call for Women-Led Initiatives

The Small Grant Call for Women-Led Initiatives in Aragatsotn Region aims to strengthen women-led community action and grassroots leadership across Aragatsotn Province.

Women’s Fund Armenia encourages women, girls, women’s organizations, civil society groups, social enterprises, and informal collectives to develop practical initiatives that respond to local challenges and improve the lives of women and girls.

The programme recognizes that sustainable social change begins within local communities through collaboration, creativity, inclusion, and women’s leadership.

Objectives of the Grant Program

The programme aims to:

• Strengthen women’s leadership in local communities
• Promote gender equality and women’s rights
• Support community-based solutions to local challenges
• Encourage women’s participation in decision-making
• Improve social inclusion and community well-being
• Support marginalized and vulnerable women
• Build stronger community networks through grassroots initiatives

Key Focus Areas

Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

The programme supports projects that:

• Promote women’s rights
• Raise awareness of gender equality
• Encourage equal participation
• Reduce gender discrimination

Prevention of Gender-Based Violence

Funding is available for initiatives that:

• Prevent gender-based violence
• Support survivors of violence
• Raise community awareness
• Promote safe environments for women and girls

Women’s Economic Empowerment

Projects may focus on:

• Women’s entrepreneurship
• Local business development
• Income-generating opportunities
• Financial independence
• Economic resilience

Mental Health and Community Well-being

The programme encourages initiatives that promote:

• Mental health support
• Healing and recovery
• Collective care
• Emotional well-being
• Community support networks

Community Mobilization and Women’s Leadership

Eligible activities include:

• Leadership development
• Community organizing
• Civic participation
• Women’s engagement in local decision-making
• Grassroots community action

Intergenerational Learning

Projects may strengthen connections between women and girls through:

• Mentorship
• Knowledge sharing
• Skills exchange
• Cultural learning
• Leadership development across generations

Arts, Culture and Storytelling

The programme supports women-led:

• Cultural projects
• Artistic initiatives
• Storytelling activities
• Community heritage projects
• Creative expression

Environmental Justice and Sustainable Living

Funding may support initiatives related to:

• Environmental protection
• Sustainable living
• Community gardening
• Local food systems
• Traditional ecological knowledge

Support for Marginalized Women

Priority is given to initiatives supporting:

• Displaced women
• Single mothers
• Women with disabilities
• Older women
• Young women
• Women experiencing isolation
• Socially excluded groups

Safe and Inclusive Community Spaces

Projects may create:

• Safe spaces for women and girls
• Inclusive community centres
• Peer support groups
• Community gathering spaces

Poverty Reduction

The programme encourages initiatives that:

• Improve economic opportunities
• Reduce poverty among women
• Strengthen financial security
• Increase community resilience

Who Is Eligible?

The call is open to:

• Registered women’s organizations
• Local non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
• Community-based organizations working with women and girls
• Informal women’s groups
• Women’s collectives
• Women activists
• Community mobilizers
• Women entrepreneurs
• Women-led social enterprises
• Young women’s groups
• Initiatives led by displaced women
• Initiatives led by other marginalized groups

Applicants are not required to have extensive experience managing formal projects.

Women with strong community relationships, innovative ideas, and a commitment to improving their communities are encouraged to apply.

Geographic Focus

The programme supports initiatives in:

• Aragatsotn Province
• Ashtarak
• Surrounding villages within Aragatsotn

Priority is given to projects led by women from the region.

Funding Details

Maximum Grant Amount

Successful applicants may receive:

Up to AMD 1,200,000

Project Duration

Projects must be completed within:

2 to 4 months

Funding Priorities

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Are led by women or girls from Aragatsotn
• Address genuine community needs
• Promote women’s leadership
• Create safe and inclusive spaces
• Support marginalized women and girls
• Are realistic and achievable within the available funding
• Demonstrate community care and participation
• Show potential for long-term sustainability or future growth

Eligible Project Activities

Funding may support activities such as:

Community Leadership Projects

Examples include:

• Women’s leadership workshops
• Community organizing
• Local advocacy campaigns
• Civic engagement activities

Economic Empowerment

Projects may include:

• Small business development
• Entrepreneurship training
• Skills development
• Income-generating initiatives

Community Support Services

Activities may involve:

• Peer support groups
• Community care programmes
• Mental health workshops
• Safe community spaces

Cultural and Educational Activities

Eligible projects include:

• Art exhibitions
• Storytelling events
• Cultural preservation
• Educational workshops

Environmental Initiatives

Projects may include:

• Community gardens
• Sustainable agriculture
• Environmental awareness campaigns
• Local sustainability projects

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should ensure they belong to one of the eligible applicant categories and are based in the target region.

Step 2: Identify a Community Need

Choose a project that addresses a real issue affecting women or girls in the local community.

Step 3: Develop a Practical Project Plan

The proposal should explain:

• Project objectives
• Planned activities
• Expected community impact
• Timeline
• Budget

Step 4: Demonstrate Community Engagement

Applications should show:

• Community participation
• Local partnerships
• Women’s leadership
• Inclusion of marginalized groups where appropriate

Step 5: Submit the Application

Applications should be submitted according to the official Women’s Fund Armenia application process before the published deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Focus on genuine community needs
• Demonstrate strong local involvement
• Include women and girls in project planning
• Keep activities realistic for a small grant
• Explain how the project can continue after funding ends
• Highlight inclusive and community-led approaches

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Proposing projects unrelated to women’s needs
• Creating unrealistic budgets or timelines
• Failing to explain community impact
• Excluding marginalized women or girls
• Submitting incomplete applications
• Overcomplicating small community projects

Expected Impact of the Grant

Funded projects are expected to contribute to:

• Stronger women’s leadership
• Greater gender equality
• Increased community participation
• Improved economic opportunities for women
• Better mental health and community well-being
• Safer and more inclusive community spaces
• Increased support for marginalized women and girls
• Sustainable local development

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Small Grant Call for Women-Led Initiatives?

It is a funding programme by Women’s Fund Armenia that supports women-led community initiatives in Aragatsotn Province.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include women’s organizations, NGOs, informal women’s groups, women entrepreneurs, social enterprises, community mobilizers, activists, and initiatives led by displaced or marginalized women.

How much funding is available?

Applicants can receive grants of up to AMD 1,200,000.

How long can projects last?

Projects must be implemented within 2 to 4 months.

Is previous grant management experience required?

No. Applicants do not need extensive experience managing formal projects. Women with strong community connections and practical ideas are encouraged to apply.

What types of projects are supported?

The programme supports initiatives related to women’s rights, gender equality, leadership, economic empowerment, mental health, environmental sustainability, cultural activities, and community development.

Which geographic areas are eligible?

The programme focuses on Aragatsotn Province, particularly Ashtarak and surrounding villages.

Conclusion

The Small Grant Call for Women-Led Initiatives in Aragatsotn Region provides an important opportunity for women and women-led organizations to develop community-driven solutions that improve the lives of women and girls.

By investing in grassroots leadership, gender equality, economic empowerment, mental health, environmental sustainability, and inclusive community action, the programme helps strengthen local communities while creating lasting opportunities for women across Aragatsotn Province.