In an unusual but forward-thinking approach, Khachkar Studios has announced the release of $10 million to go directly to the “Faithful” of the Armenian Eastern Diocese. The allocation is part of the group’s large-scale $100 million initiative aimed at revitalizing Judeo-Christian communities and improving measurable social outcomes.
The strategy centers on the idea that sustainable community improvement requires direct engagement with the individuals who participate most actively in parish life. Parishes or members who adopt Khachkar Studios’ Biblically grounded management and benchmarking “Framework” may qualify for up to $500,000 over five years. The funding supports projects designed to raise weekly attendance and significantly increase Social Return on Investment (SROI).
The organization’s research shows that Armenian parishes currently generate a median SROI of 3.7x—much lower than comparable Orthodox communities. By focusing on transparency, financial discipline, and data-driven decision-making, Khachkar Studios aims to raise that number to 7.0x.
This systems-based approach is paired with a major education effort. The organization has prepared public resources—including videos, analyses, and concise summaries—to help parishioners understand the connection between financial health and community vitality. The goal is to help even those without formal financial training understand how parish operations can be strengthened.
What makes the initiative notable in philanthropic circles is its direct-to-community model. Rather than routing funds solely through centralized institutions, Khachkar Studios is channeling support directly to the people most invested in the daily life of the church. This is consistent with growing trends in philanthropy that emphasize grassroots empowerment and decentralized impact.
With Armenian parishes spanning dozens of U.S. cities and facing common challenges related to attendance, generational shifts, and organizational strain, this initiative could serve as a catalyst for widespread reform. If successful, it may offer a template for how faith-based philanthropy can blend spiritual mission with rigorous impact evaluation.
