Building partnerships and leveraging networks to drive progress and bring social good
IDeA believes that the greatest impact is achieved when stakeholders collaborate. Our organization is built upon collaboration with government, international organizations, business networks and individual partners to capture synergies and coordinate efforts. Through the creation of long-term partnerships we can enable local and international communities to purposefully participate in social, cultural and economic activity.
Conceiving, designing and implementing projects based on long-term goals
Too often the initiatives to help Armenians are not evaluated for their real impact over time, such as on GDP growth and job creation. The tendency is to find low-cost, “fundable” solutions without attention to scale or sustainability. We design, develop, and implement projects using a 15-20 year horizon with goals that can exponentially alter the future for Armenians throughout the world.
Instilling a giving culture that yields greater investment, greater returns and sustainable impact
Over the past few years a new generation of philanthropists has emerged – generous contributors who seek to create social good while being involved in projects that scale over the long-term. IDeA has created a public/private partnership platform which enables it to optimize levels of giving, engage a wider audience of supporters, and garner the high level of financial support needed to reach sustainable development goals.
November 21, 2020
The global Aurora Humanitarian Initiative continues implementing the humanitarian assistance program for the people of Artsakh affected by the war. At this stage, 14 projects with a total budget of $116,600 have already been confirmed.
November 19, 2020
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative continues clarifying the criteria and procedure for providing assistance to the people of Artsakh affected by the war and who are now on the territory of Artsakh or Armenia.
November 19, 2020
The global Aurora Humanitarian Initiative’s direct assistance project for the people of Artsakh started today, on November 18, 2020.
November 18, 2020
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative urgently begins to assist and implement humanitarian programs designed to help children and adults affected by the war in Artsakh.
October 20, 2020
The broadcast brought together the global Aurora community in outstanding show of solidarity
October 19, 2020
The virtual event in NYC will honor the unsung heroes and help increase Aurora’s impact
October 18, 2020
Aurora brings together representatives of all main Armenian spiritual institutions in New York City
October 05, 2020
Funds will support immediate humanitarian needs and the education and well-being of Armenian children affected by the war.
September 24, 2020
The “Gratitude in Action” Series will honor the unsung heroes and help the Initiative raise funds to increase its impact and reach.
September 17, 2020
Somali Mother-and-Daughter Human Rights Activists Receive $1 Million Award.
September 15, 2020
We are delighted to announce that Project Teams from UWC East Africa in Tanzania, UWC Mahindra College in India and UWC South East Asia in Singapore have been selected as the three finalist teams to proceed to the final of Young Aurora 2020. We congratulate all three teams as they prepare to present their projects to the final jury on November 3.
September 10, 2020
A grant from Aurora will help the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute to republish Aurora Mardiganian’s book with additional notes.
August 26, 2020
The Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Foundation launched an Open International Competition for Recreational Infrastructure Elements Design in Gyumri Friendship Park this July. The competition is a part of the integrated development of the park reflecting the city’s identity and conveying the idea of international collaboration. Based on the results of the first round, the jury selected 20 finalists who will become a part of this kind initiative.
August 25, 2020
Wings of Tatev, the world’s longest reversible aerial tramway (5,752m) announces a special offer for schoolchildren and kids from orphanages, who will get free access to the ropeway. The special offer is available from 25 August to 15 September inclusive.
August 11, 2020
The Co-Founders of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Noubar Afeyan, Vartan Gregorian and Ruben Vardanyan, and the Chair of the Aurora Prize Selection Committee Lord Ara Darzi have announced that Aurora will donate $200.000 to support citizens of Beirut, Lebanon and will launch an online fundraising campaign for the Armenian Community of Beirut by #AraratChallenge, Aurora’s global humanitarian crowdfunding platform.
July 20, 2020
The crowdfunding movement will support humanitarian causes in Armenia in its second cycle.
July 01, 2020
The Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Foundation launches an open international competition for the development of architectural solutions for the recreational infrastructure of Gyumri Friendship Park. Applications are open on July 1-29, 2020.
June 23, 2020
The fundraising event in New York City will mark the 5th anniversary of the Initiative.
June 19, 2020
The Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Foundation announces an international competition for the development of architectural solutions for the recreational infrastructure of Gyumri Friendship Park.
June 01, 2020
Renovated and modernized City Park will become a beautiful public recreation venue in Dilijan contributing to the city’s touristic attractiveness, creating a new model of social entrepreneurship, involving multi stakeholders and developing the community infrastructures.
May 26, 2020
The program aims to encourage, support, and showcase student-driven projects offering innovative and sustainable solutions to humanitarian issues.
May 11, 2020
The staff of Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Foundation have provided support to the schoolchildren of Tatev consolidated community for conducting effective distance learning in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Foundation donated 10 computers.
April 27, 2020
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative calls for nominations for the sixth Aurora Prize
April 25, 2020
On April 24, 2020, on the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative hosted an online discussion to honor those who perished a century ago and celebrate modern heroes, including those fighting the global outbreak of COVID-19.
April 07, 2020
The #AraratChallenge movement launched by the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative made a $120,000 donation to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia to buy lung ventilation devices.
March 28, 2020
Aurora Co-Founders and Selection Committee Chair take part in a special webinar
March 23, 2020
Aurora directs #AraratChallenge funds to support Armenian health professionals on the front lines with ten lung ventilation devices.
March 12, 2020
Co-founder and Chair of IMAGINE will contribute to the Aurora Prize Laureate selection process
March 11, 2020
The miniature of the Tatev Monastery Complex and the replica of a 15-16th century cross-stone kept in the museum area of the monastery complex were exhibited for the first time at the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C. on March 7.
March 03, 2020
Researchers Asya Darbinyan and Knar Khachatryan receive the grants
November 13, 2019
Children in Dilijan and adjacent communities will get an opportunity to go in for professional football.
November 01, 2019
Received submissions feature 593 unique candidates for the award
October 30, 2019
On behalf of the partners and supporters of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, we would like to extend our gratitude to the United States House of Representatives for passing H. Res. 296 405-11, which recognizes by its true name, a genocide, the extermination of 1,5 million innocent Armenians by Ottoman Turkish Empire a century ago.
October 25, 2019
New international platform convened thought leaders, change-makers and entrepreneurs from around the globe to discuss key issues facing the world today.
October 22, 2019
On October 21 tourists, Aurora Forum guests and inhabitants of the neighboring communities took part in spiritual, educational and cultural festivities held in Tatev monastery complex.
October 20, 2019
The announcement was made during the inaugural Aurora Forum taking place in Armenia in October 2019
October 19, 2019
Aurora honors the Yazidi activist for rescuing more than 1,500 victims of terror and rehabilitating hundreds of ex-ISIS sex slaves
October 18, 2019
On October 18 Dilijan to host educational, cultural and humanitarianism events
October 15, 2019
The Forum is thankful to its generous supporters: Yerevan Brandy Company, Armenia TV Company and The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel
October 14, 2019
Aurora Forum kicks off on October 14
October 12, 2019
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative kicks off the second phase of the Vartan Gregorian Scholarship Program
October 07, 2019
October 17 will be Gyumri Day at the Aurora Forum
October 04, 2019
Works on restoration of Gohar Agha Upper Mosque, 19th century architectural and religious landmark in Shushi, move closer to end
October 03, 2019
On October 2, a delegation from the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative received a special blessing from His Holiness Pope Francis during their visit to the Vatican. The visit was part of a wider trip from the group to Rome, during which a series of meetings with Vatican and community leaders was held.
October 02, 2019
Armenia Tree Project and Aurora Humanitarian Initiative join forces for a good cause.
September 27, 2019
Aurora Prize Ceremony and Aurora Tribute and Fundraising Concert announced for the #AraratChallenge Fest, a part of the Aurora Forum
September 26, 2019
As part of the Aurora Forum, visitors to Tatev Monastery have the opportunity to experience a unique exhibition dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Komitas Vardapet.
September 23, 2019
World-renowned musician, humanitarian to headline the two-day festival filled with inspiring public talks, lectures, master classes and charity initiatives to facilitate humanitarian action.
September 17, 2019
On October 17, 2019, the international blues group the D’Black Blues Orchestra will hold a large open-air concert in the city of Gyumri, on Vardanants Square.
September 16, 2019
All three teams will present their projects during the inaugural Aurora Forum in Armenia on October 18.
September 06, 2019
Aurora celebrates the participants of the #AraratChallenge who strive to change the world
September 04, 2019
Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Co-Founder Ruben Vardanyan and Chair Tom Catena to join Maison Shalom Founder and 2016 Aurora Prize Laureate Marguerite Barankitse in Kigali, Rwanda
September 02, 2019
Globally recognized humanitarian, physician and Chair of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative will reflect on his experience treating patients in remote, war-torn areas of Sudan and offer insights on the impact of healthcare
July 29, 2019
Prominent international lawyer will become the Selection Committee’s Honorary Co-Chair
July 25, 2019
Aurora Forum is calling for volunteers to participate in the 2019 Aurora Forum to take place in October 2019.
July 19, 2019
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative launches the #AraratChallenge, a global crowdfunding campaign
June 24, 2019
Restructured event will feature a special charity concert program by the Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra
May 16, 2019
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative calls for nominations for the fifth Aurora Prize
May 06, 2019
The aerial tramway hosts servicemen of Syunik military units free of charge twice a month
April 30, 2019
"This project which has brought hope, jobs and better future to Dilijan and its residents”,- said CEO of IDeA Foundation.
April 24, 2019
The Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity recognizes three extraordinary humanitarians for their noble commitment to liberating women from ISIS captivity, challenging a network of secret prisons in Yemen and negotiating the release of kidnapped schoolgirls in Nigeria.
April 19, 2019
Within the IDeA-ESMT partnership, the students conducted a week of field research in Gyumri.
April 10, 2019
Grants awarded to Anna Aleksanyan and Arman Khachatryan, early-career scholars
April 09, 2019
IDeA will join efforts with FAST to find creative approaches for the empowerment of the healthcare platform.
March 28, 2019
IDeA Foundation launches Climate Uturn — an ecological platform that will focus on creation and preservation of green areas, waste prevention, energy saving, environmental standards development.
March 25, 2019
Aurora Humanitarian Project will provide UWC students with an opportunity to help address critical humanitarian issues.
March 22, 2019
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sets out joint actions aimed at enhancing education quality.
March 11, 2019
The Goodwill Ambassadors are being announced on March 10, 2019, marking the 4th anniversary of the founding of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative
March 07, 2019
I am deeply grateful to everyone who believes in me, in our team and in what we do.
February 20, 2019
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative brings global leaders and activists together at Munich Security Conference Side Event “Neglect 2 Protect: R2P Revisited”
February 18, 2019
Founders and organizers of the inaugural Aurora Forum express deepest gratitude to 100 Goodwill Ambassadors who joined to support the initiative
February 12, 2019
Aurora Humanitarian Initiative continues to support the Matenadaran, Armenia’s national repository of ancient manuscripts, with a new grant of $20,000.
January 29, 2019
The event explored the ways and opportunities to accelerate solutions and innovations contributing to the achievement of the SDGs.
January 23, 2019
Inaugural Aurora Forum Positions Armenia as Regional Hub for Humanitarian Outreach, Education, Science, Technology, Economic Development, and Cultural Innovation
January 10, 2019
On 25 January IDeA Foundation, UNDP and Permanent Mission of Armenia to UN will hold a joint event in New York.
December 24, 2018
From April 2019, an international group of highly-qualified Мasters in Management students of ESMT will be involved in the development of a project in Gyumri.
December 14, 2018
Leading global activists gather at Aurora Dialogues in Berlin to address global humanitarian issues, including refugee crisis and spread of populism
December 12, 2018
Co-Founders kick-start global Aurora Movement by welcoming 2017 Aurora Prize Laureate to represent organization
December 08, 2018
Within the framework of the grant programme, small workshops located in the community schools were opened in the villages of Gosh, Haghartsin and Teghut.
November 30, 2018
Aurora Humanitarian Initiative welcomes new members to the prestigious Selection Committee for the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity
November 29, 2018
The event marked the 30th anniversary of the devastating earthquake of 1988 in Armenia.
October 19, 2018
Although he holds a Russian passport, his roots are in Armenia on the country’s southern flank and half of his activity is focused there.
October 19, 2018
On October 7-12, IDeA Foundation featured an individual and large pavilion in Francophonie Village.
October 17, 2018
Residents of Tatev and neighboring communities, guests from Yerevan, as well as tourists, attended the event.
October 12, 2018
New $30,000 research grants for academics and early-career historians
October 04, 2018
Co-Founders welcome largest number of unique nominations in Aurora Prize history
October 02, 2018
Aznavour lent his name and his energy to the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative from the beginning.
September 28, 2018
Dilijan national park is a unique example of Armenia’s natural world.
September 26, 2018
The Refugee Self-Reliance Initiative announced its aim to reach five million refugees, in five years, with a specific focus on self-reliance.
September 07, 2018
We answer the most popular questions
September 03, 2018
Three international organisations share details about how the $1,000,000 Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity will be used to positively impact the Rohingya refugees in Myanmar’s Rakhine state
August 20, 2018
Sunday 19 August marks the 15th annual World Humanitarian Day, with the important theme of: civilians are #notatarget.
August 17, 2018
At the TIC tourists will be able to obtain information on tourist packages available in the region, rent bicycles, tents and other hiking equipment.
July 31, 2018
IDeA intends to engage partner organizations to help implement various components of the program.
July 26, 2018
Armenia joined the global movement: World Cleanup Day will take place in the country for the first time on September 15, it will gather up to 100 000 participants and will start a new tradition
July 09, 2018
The French premiere of Arshak’s Song will take place in November in Paris.
July 06, 2018
A number of honorable guests, including members of the German Bundestag, German intellectuals, cultural and diplomatic figures attended the discussion.
July 06, 2018
The world’s longest reversible cableway now carries an unprecedented number of visitors to this historic site
July 04, 2018
Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Foundation within the framework of the “Dilijan and Adjacent Communities Development Initiative” project, calls for small grant applications.
June 27, 2018
The government has approved IDeA’s other development programs for Dilijan.
June 11, 2018
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is calling for nominations for inspiring humanitarians who go to extreme lengths to save the lives of others for the fourth annual Aurora Prize
June 10, 2018
Lawyer and activist was recognized for his dedication to fighting for human rights for the Rohingya people in Myanmar
June 10, 2018
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative honors the esteemed lawyer for his personal sacrifice fighting injustice and advocating for the Rohingya people in Myanmar
June 05, 2018
The Third Aurora Prize and the Accompanying Weekend of Activities Will Start on June 8, 2018 in Yerevan.
June 01, 2018
New Armenian postage stamp will feature 2017 Aurora Prize Laureate
May 30, 2018
2017 Aurora Prize Laureate Doctor Tom Catena will arrive in Yerevan on May 31.
May 26, 2018
While this was the third UWC Dilijan graduation, it was the first to be graced by Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of Armenia.
May 16, 2018
Three manuals were developed and published within the framework of the Dilijan and Adjacent Communities Development Initiative project
May 10, 2018
Tap into the diaspora to fulfil revolutionary promises and build long-term prosperity
May 10, 2018
Aurora Humanitarian Index shows most are misinformed on the scale of the refugee crisis and plight of women and children largely ignored. However, confidence in world leaders and NGOs to address the crisis increases
April 30, 2018
Marguerite Barankitse, Veronika Zonabend and many others shared their insights at SKOLKOVO
April 25, 2018
Ruben Vardanyan and Noubar Afeyan gave an interview to Azatutyun Radio.
April 25, 2018
Research proposals were first presented at the “Social Movements and the Praxis of Gratitude” seminar in Buenos Aires.
April 24, 2018
The Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity recognizes three humanitarians for their selfless commitment to fighting sexual violence in India, advocating on behalf of Rohingya people in Myanmar and protecting Central American immigrants in Mexico
April 03, 2018
The Co-Founders of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative have announced that Harout Chitilian will come on board on July 1, as Aurora’s next CEO.
March 21, 2018
The AUA community had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Vardanyan and ask him various questions.
March 05, 2018
Dr. Philip Zimbardo, Dr. Vartan Gregorian, Alice Greenwald, John Prendergast, and others, debated the topic during event at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum
February 22, 2018
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative takes the Aurora concept and program to the world.
February 15, 2018
Aurora Humanitarian Initiative continues to partner with UWC to tackle humanitarian challenges.
February 13, 2018
Team Arahet won the Armenian semifinal of the Diamond Challenge.
February 07, 2018
The members of the Swiss delegation praised the IDeA initiatives.
January 30, 2018
Training to be provided for young scholars and guides.
December 19, 2017
Children from seven villages in the Tatev region were visited by actors from the Mobile Puppet Theater
December 01, 2017
Leading humanitarian luminary Ambassador Power joins the Selection Committee in advance of the upcoming Aurora Dialogues in Berlin
November 27, 2017
The global migration crisis is examined by distinguished humanitarians, academics, philanthropists and business leaders
November 22, 2017
The Selection Committee of the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity will gather in Berlin, Germany on December 4, 2017.
November 20, 2017
Médecins Sans Frontières co-founder and former foreign minister of France joins co-chair George Clooney and Selection Committee Members to select future Aurora Prize finalists and laureates
October 23, 2017
The workshop brought together more than 200 researchers in data science and related disciplines.
October 20, 2017
“We think that together with you, we have the opportunity to make qualitative changes in Armenia”, PM said.
October 17, 2017
The choir performed works by Komitas, Mozart, Giuseppe Verdi, Makar Yekmalyan and Pyotr Tchaikovsky.
October 06, 2017
Diaspora leaders will share experiences and knowledge to foster the more effective ways to build bridges
October 06, 2017
“I am delighted to join IDeA Foundation. It is a great pleasure to serve my motherland,” Baghdjian commented on his appointment.
September 12, 2017
Number of unique candidates for the prize was increased by 100% compared with 2017
September 08, 2017
Since its launch, Wings of Tatev aerial tramway has welcomed over 600,000 passengers.
August 28, 2017
15 children will go to school on September 1.
July 17, 2017
On July 16, Wings of Tatev aerial tramway served 1,371 passengers.
July 13, 2017
Armenia to Host Aurora Humanitarian Initiative’s Annual Weekend of Humanitarian-Related Events June 8-10, 2018.
June 28, 2017
Restoration works in the territory of the Upper Mosque in Shushi are scheduled to be completed by fall, 2018.
June 10, 2017
The Sheep Shearing Festival is becoming something of a tradition.
June 08, 2017
This year, more than 300 children from different countries around the world will take part in interactive educational programmes on the campus of the UWC Dilijan international school in Armenia.
June 01, 2017
I am extremely proud of my son for his decision to get baptized in Armenia.
May 30, 2017
Aurora Humanitarian Initiative seeks candidates who put themselves at risk to advance the well-being of others for the 2018 Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity
May 29, 2017
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative honors esteemed Catholic Missionary physician in war-torn Sudan for rekindling faith in humanity
May 27, 2017
On May 27, UWC Dilijan celebrated the graduation of its second generation of students.
May 16, 2017
The winners of Aurora Photo and Short Film Competitions are announced.
May 01, 2017
Results of Aurora Creative Contest have been announced.
April 25, 2017
Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan welcomed representatives from IDeA Foundation, led by Ruben Vardanyan.
April 24, 2017
Ultimate Aurora Prize Laureate to Receive US$1,000,000 Award to Amplify Humanitarian Work
April 12, 2017
The scope of the initial financing for the development of the Foundation will be up to USD 15 million.
April 07, 2017
Тhe idea of an educational cluster is to create a platform, which allows all of its participants to invest in education in Armenia.
April 05, 2017
A new postage stamp will feature the inaugural Aurora Prize laureate Marguerite Barankitse.
April 04, 2017
The strategic goal of the Dilijan Educational Cluster is to create an educational environment of the future in Armenia.
March 31, 2017
With the support of the Foundation 64 people resettled from Syria to Armenia.
March 28, 2017
All interested candidates are invited to apply by filling out the registration form and submitting their application by April 10th, 2017.
February 15, 2017
Archimandrite Mikael Gevorgyan blessed 25 pairs of newlyweds at Tatev Monastery.
February 09, 2017
Interview of Ruben Vardanyan to Tert.am
January 27, 2017
The meeting was attended by more than 50 Syrian-Armenians.
January 18, 2017
One in seven Armenians and one in twenty members of the general public are aware of the Aurora Prize, Aurora Opinion Audit reveals.
January 17, 2017
Yuri Gorvits is Doctor of Psychology, Head of the Higher Education Program for Apple Russia and winner of a prestigious Russian Government award in the sphere of education.
December 27, 2016
Another 18 people have expressed their desire to the “Aleppo” to be relocated to Armenia.
December 22, 2016
During the three days, over 500 kids took part in Fairy Tale
December 20, 2016
More than 400 children attended the performances, which spanned two days. All the children were handed gifts at the end of the event.
December 14, 2016
This is a new format of cooperation for the IDeA Foundation: between the state, the EU delegation and partners
December 14, 2016
The impact investor and social entrepreneur talks about what Armenians need to learn in order to become a nation of winners.
December 12, 2016
Zedillo Joins a Select Group of Humanitarians headed by Academy Award-winner and humanitarian George Clooney to Choose 2017 Aurora Prize Finalists
December 02, 2016
Join the AGBU’s 110th anniversary celebration week in Armenia from December 1st to December 5th of 2016.
December 01, 2016
On November 30 the United Nations Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York hosted a dinner in honor of Ban Ki-moon, whose nine-year term as UN Secretary-General will conclude on December 31, 2016.
November 30, 2016
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative confirms plans for awarding the second Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity
November 23, 2016
Entrepreneur and philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan speaking at the AUA 25th Anniversary Gala on November 19, 2016.
October 28, 2016
The global Armenian community must do more to deliver a successful future for the nation that is economically and socially secure, according to an open letter published today.
April 22, 2016
It happened so that in the last decades we demanded more from other nations to recognize the Armenian Genocide. In this regard, now is the right moment for such an Award.
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