The Open Society Foundations–Armenia has contributed over $53 million to Armenia since it began its work in 1997. As the major political transition that Armenia began in 2018 continues, the foundation remains committed to the values that have defined its work for more than 20 years: justice, accountability, and transparency.

In 1997, the war in Nagorno-Karabakh and an economic blockade imposed by Azerbaijan and Turkey had left Armenia isolated and impoverished. As the country continued to adjust to the collapse of the Soviet-era system of economic subsidies and support, many basic institutions in Armenia were in need of funding and reform.

The Open Society Foundations–Armenia responded by supplying needed equipment, technology, and expertise to schools, universities, libraries, and health care facilities. Beneficiaries included the National Library of Armenia, as well as Matenadaran Institute of Ancient Manuscripts—one of the oldest and richest repositories of manuscripts and historical records in the world.

Since then, the foundation has supported a broad range of civil society groups, including women’s shelters, investigative journalism outlets, human rights defenders, and organizations monitoring elections and public spending.