Fund for Armenian Relief Inc

“The organization makes its form 990, conflict of interest policy, form 1023 and the audited financial statements available upon request from the organization.”

“A copy of the completed form 990 was provided to all members of the audit and finance committees of the board for their review and approval before filing with the internal revenue service.”

“The FAR bylaws establish the list of FAR officers eligible for compensation and specifically excludes the directors other than the Executive Director. There is a standing policy, established by the Board of Directors, regarding compensation and benefits for all officers and employees. Salaries are approved annually in the budget that is passed by the board. Salary increases for key employees, when given, include a review of comparable salaries at similar nonprofit organizations by the appropriate committees of the board.”

“Conflict of interest questionnaires are completed annually by board members and key employees. These are reviewed by management for potential conflicts. Any conflicts noted would be reviewed by the board for consideration and appropriate resolution.”

“PAYMENTS ARE MADE TO ORGANIZATIONS IN ARMENIA, WHICH INCLUDE NGO'S, charitable foundations, WHICH ARE EQUIVALENT TO NGO'S FOR CERTAIN ORGANIZATIONS IN ARMENIA, AND SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITIES AND THE DIOCESE OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH. THESE SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITIES AND THE DIOCESE DO NOT hAVE a 501(C)(3) OR equivalent STATUS IN ARMENIA AS THIS IS NOT A PRACTICE THERE. HOWEVER, THESE ORGANIZATIONS ARE EQUIVALENT to 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES AS THEY ARE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OR social service departments of RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS.”

“Change in value of beneficial interest of $222,819 was recorded for the year ended december 31, 2023. This has been shown as an other change in net assets for the form 990 preparation.”

“Economic Development Programs - includes expenses that will help stimulate Armenia's economy by providing the people in Armenia the necessary resources to lay a foundation for sustainable employment and development within their communities. FAR has three primary projects focused on economic development, including the multi-faceted Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Program: Developing Thriving Communities (BCPP); Gyumri Information Technology Center (GTech); and Small Business Assistance for the displaced from Artsakh women, displaced people in Yerevan and regions, and beneficiaries of Zinvori Tun rehab center (war veterans)(SBA).”

“Educational programs - PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIP, VOCATIONAL TRAINING, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE/LIVING STIPENDS, AND HOUSING TO ORPHANED STUDENTS AND STUDENTS FROM UNDERPRIVILEGED FAMILIES THROUGHOUT ARMENIA. IN 2022, FAR LAUNCHED AN AMBITIOUS PROJECT CALLED "SUPPORTING STEM EDUCATION IN RURAL ARMENIA." THIS LONG-TERM INITIATIVE IS DESIGNED TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF STEM EDUCATION IN RURAL SCHOOLS ACROSS ALL LEVELS WHILE ALSO NURTURING AND FOSTERING ASPIRING RESEARCHERS AND SCIENTISTS. THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT IS TO UPLIFT THE LEVEL OF STEM EDUCATION IN RURAL ARMENIA. FAR RECOGNIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS IN DRIVING INNOVATION, ECONOMIC GROWTH, AND SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT. BY FOCUSING ON THESE CRITICAL DISCIPLINES, THE PROJECT AIMS TO EQUIP STUDENTS IN RURAL AREAS WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS NECESSARY TO EXCEL IN THESE FIELDS.”

“Children's Programs - Through these programs, FAR advocates for and assists the at-risk children and youth of Armenia. FAR's two primary projects in child protection are the FAR Children's Center and the Children of Armenia Sponsorship Program (CASP), both of which help children in need. This program includes crisis intervention and rehabilitation for children by providing financial assistance, medical and psychological care, nutritious food, clothing, and educational and recreational materials as well as costs of renovating and furnishing the homeless children's center in Armenia.”

“Emergency Needs Programs - These programs provide immediate relief to those in need in Armenia: assistance was provided to over 400 displaced families settled in Tavush marz. Assistance included firewood distribution, Wash packages (monthly), Linen and bedding, kitchen supplies and household equipment. In sisian, assistance to renovate houses purchased by the displaced, includes seed funding for house renovations and furnishings. Senior Programs - These programs provide access to immediate needs like food, shelter, medical care, and social support to seniors in Armenia. FAR's Soup Kitchens Program and Vanadzor Old Age Home (VOAH) help provide necessary support for vulnerable populations. Healthcare Programs - Armenia's healthcare sector has been a primary focus since FAR's early days when we started advocating for institutionalized medical education and professional development. Healthcare programs have since expanded and adapted over time to fit the growing and changing needs of health in Armenia today, tackling issues critical to progress and development like childhood malnutrition, children's cognitive development, and maternal health. FAR has six primary projects that focus on health-the Continuing Medical Education Program (CME); Nurses Training Program; BCPP's Health and child Nutrition Project; and the hypertension management project. Geriatrics - In 2022, FAR embarked on a new project aimed at supporting the development of Geriatric Medicine in the country. This initiative recognizes the growing needs and challenges associated with the aging population and seeks to enhance the quality of care and services provided to elderly individuals.”