The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation is dedicated to funding initiatives that benefit Armenians and the Republic of Armenia, ensuring the greatest possible impact on the country's progress and prosperity. For years, we have accepted grant applications year-round, reviewing them on a quarterly basis across our key focus areas: arts and cultural preservation, entrepreneurship and innovation, education, ecotourism and rural development, public health and emergency response, leadership, and youth and community development.

 

Starting the third quarter of 2024, we are refining our approach by dedicating each quarter to a specific focus area, guided by an overarching goal set by the Foundation. This targeted strategy will allow us to maximize our impact in each area. Please see detailed information on our quarterly areas of focus in the "Areas of Focus" section below. 

 

We encourage you to review the Eligibility Criteria section below to determine whether your organization qualifies for a Hovnanian Foundation grant. You'll also find information on our non-required preferences that may guide your application. If you have any questions, our FAQ section provides additional clarifications.

 

The first step in the application process is to complete the Eligibility Quiz below. This will confirm your eligibility and guide you to the next step in the process.

 

For all IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations in the United States focused on Armenian or Armenia-related missions, please use the Armenian Grants section to submit your proposals.

 

 

Current Quarter Open Call 

 

Funding Opportunity Title: H. Hovnanian Family Foundation Grants for Building a Stronger Workforce in Armenia 

Deadline for Applications: December 30, 2024 (funding decisions by late January) 

Contact Person: Anahit Hakobyan, Programs Manager

Email: [email protected] 

Funding Opportunity Description

 

The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation is pleased to announce a call for proposals aimed at strengthening workforce development in Armenia. We are offering grants to projects that align with our strategic goals, focusing on upskilling adults to be work-ready, enhancing the existing workforce's capabilities, improving vocational education and training (VET) systems, and reinforcing career services within educational institutions. Our wide-ranging objectives are designed to benefit the workforce development process at both institutional and individual levels, ensuring measurable outcomes and lasting impact.

 

The three goals we aim to achieve are outlined below. Proposals should address at least one or a combination of the following 9 objectives. The proposals covering a combination of a few objectives will be prioritized. 

 

 

Funding Goals and Objectives

 

Group 1: Developing Ready-to-work Adults 

 

1. Upskilling Professionals for High-demand Industries: Equip professionals (targeting 25+ y.o. men) with industry-specific skills or entrepreneurial capabilities through market-relevant capacity-building programs, prioritizing sectors such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality. 

 

For the proposals in targeting this objective: 

• Other sectors will also be considered provided a research and data-based justification
• The applicants need to emphasize measurable job placement or entrepreneurial outcomes
• Preliminary agreements and partnerships with the private sector are highly encouraged.
• The 25+ age group target refers to only this objective.

 

2. Reskilling for Continuous Workforce Adaptability: Provide continuous education and reskilling programs that enable professionals at all career stages to remain adaptable in a fast-evolving labor market, fostering a culture of lifelong learning.

 

3. Soft Skills Enhancement for Workforce Readiness: Integrate soft skills development into the first two objectives and ensure participants are equipped with essential competencies for the workplace.

 

 

Group 2: Strengthening the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (VET) Sector

 

1. Establishing Adult Education Programs: Introduce practical and industry-relevant adult education programs (targeting 25+ age group) within VET institutions to meet the demands of the labor market.

 

2. Developing Dual Education Systems: Foster robust internship and apprenticeship opportunities within VETs, colleges, and/or higher education institutions, effectively bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.

 

3. Building Capacity for VET and college Teachers and Curriculum Development: Enhance the skills and capabilities of VET and/or college instructors and align the curriculum with industry standards and innovations to ensure high-quality training.

 

 

Group 3: Enhancing Educational Institutions’ Career Centers

 

1. Fostering Private Sector Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships with the private sector to ensure students have access to relevant internships, job placement and career development opportunities.

 

2. Strengthening Alumni Networks for Career Development: Build robust alumni networks to provide ongoing mentorship, career guidance, and job opportunities for graduates, encouraging long-term engagement and support.

 

3. Enhancing Student Career Services: Improve career center offerings by providing students with up-to-date job market insights, resume support, career counseling, and job search strategies tailored to current labor market trends.

 

 

IV. Award Information

Funding Type: Grant contract

Total Amount Available: $250,000 USD

Expected Number of Awards: 6-8

 

More information available here.

Grant