At Impact Hub Yerevan, we celebrate individuals who turn challenges into opportunities. One such changemaker is Anna Gevorgyan, a professional fundraiser and co-founder of the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Armenia (AFPA). Anna joined our community through the Izmirlian Foundation Fellowship Program, where she gained access to the tools and connections needed to bring her vision to life.
A Vision to Transform Fundraising in Armenia
“During the first 4 years of being a fundraiser, I faced difficulties of not having the support of an engaged professional community,” Anna shares. Motivated by this gap, she founded AFPA, the first organization in Armenia dedicated to advancing professional fundraising in the region.
Her journey with Impact Hub Yerevan began when she attended a talk on fundraising and was inspired by the Hub’s diverse and collaborative environment. “Thanks to Impact Hub Yerevan’s Izmirlian Foundation Fellowship Program, our organization gained access to the local and global resources offered by Impact Hub Yerevan. Now that I’m here, I look forward every day to putting those resources to good use, learning from the Hub community, and growing as a professional to have a positive impact in my sector and beyond.”
Creating a Lasting Impact
Anna’s commitment to building a strong fundraising community goes beyond founding AFPA. As a proud alumnus of the fellowship program, she continues to give back to Impact Hub Yerevan by leading professional workshops on fundraising.
Together with co-founder Sharmagh Sakounts, Anna has organized impactful events, including a Community Meeting of Fundraising Professionals to address the urgent topic of fundraising in crisis situations. These workshops, hosted at Impact Hub Yerevan, bring together specialists to share insights, strategies, and experiences, fostering collaboration within Armenia’s fundraising community.
Their efforts extend further. As part of the EaP Civil Society Fellowship, Anna and fellow alumnus Hayk Tiraturyan facilitated workshops for Armenian CSOs, covering essential topics such as:
– Understanding types of fundraisers and funding sources.
– Building tailored fundraising strategies.
– Managing donor relationships effectively.
These sessions included practical teamwork activities, empowering participants with actionable skills to strengthen their organizations.
Building a Culture of Systematic Fundraising
Anna’s workshops delve into the intricacies of successful fundraising campaigns, focusing on systematic approaches, sustainable development strategies, and diversification of funds. These lessons were recently shared with participants of the ACBA Federation and Zartir Fellowship programs, providing valuable tools to enhance their initiatives.
A Role Model for Social Impact
Anna Gevorgyan’s journey is a powerful example of how determination, vision, and the right support can create meaningful change. By founding the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Armenia and actively sharing her expertise, Anna is not only advancing the art of fundraising but also building a thriving community of professionals committed to social impact.
Anna’s story reminds us that when challenges arise, innovation and community can pave the way to success.