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.