TUN means “home” in Armenian
TUN Foundation is a social, charitable and development foundation. We help families forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh get land of their own in Armenia and build a home on it.
Why it matters
In December 2022 the Lachin corridor, the sole road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia and the world, was blocked for nine months. On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan launched a new offensive, forcing more than 100,000 Armenians to flee their homeland, leaving behind their homes and almost all their belongings.
They found refuge in Armenia, but the key issue they face is the lack of permanent housing. These people deserve the chance to rebuild their lives and their dreams.
What we are doing right now
We purchase land plots in Armenia or receive them from partners, and provide them free of charge to families from Nagorno-Karabakh, allowing them to build their homes and potentially develop agriculture.
Investing in the future
We contribute to creating a stable source of income for displaced families and fostering potential business activity, improving the socio-economic situation both for the families and for Armenia in general.
Many of the displaced families were part of the rural communities of Nagorno-Karabakh and were actively engaged in agriculture. The land can be used for farming as well as for a home, which helps families integrate into the local community and economy.
How it works
Thanks to your support and the support of other individuals and organizations, TUN Foundation raises the funds needed to purchase land. Fundraising is an essential part of the program so that the foundation can provide assistance to people.
Our team in Armenia selects land plots suitable for building houses, eligible in terms of size for the state support program and located in a good environment across different regions of Armenia. We also receive land from partners.
We provide the plots free of charge to families selected by clear, open criteria, with priority for families who were engaged in agriculture and plan to continue. With a plot, families can earn money from the land and build their own homes.
The family builds its house with state housing support. We stay with them throughout and help where that support falls short.
Current project
In preparation · About 20 km from Yerevan
Together with a partner organization, we are preparing land for a new village about 20 km from Yerevan, where the first families from Nagorno-Karabakh will own their plots and build their homes.
How to help
Even a small donation can bring families closer to a safe and secure future. Give by bank transfer in AMD, USD, EUR or RUB, or through our fundraiser on reArmenia. Card payments are coming soon.
DonateWe invite volunteers from all over the world to join our team. If you are interested in community development, fundraising or event planning, volunteering with us will help you build your skills and, most importantly, get to know Armenia and its people.
Become a volunteerWe strongly believe in the power of unity and partnership. As a young foundation, we are open to collaboration with like-minded people and organizations.
Become a partnerAbout us
The idea came from a private initiative of Mihail Veklenko, a professional urban planner with Armenian roots. In October 2023, together with architects, lawyers, economists and activists in Armenia, he launched a program to renovate shelters for displaced families. In 2024 this initiative became TUN Foundation.
Founder and member of the Board of Trustees
Mihail Veklenko was born in Rostov-on-Don into a family with a rich cultural heritage, and his path led from international economics to urban studies. Deeply moved by the fate of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and guided by his Armenian roots, in 2024 he founded TUN Foundation to support displaced persons.
Director
Harut Mnatsakanyan was raised in a teacher’s and military officer’s family in Nagorno-Karabakh and showed leadership qualities from an early age, building a successful career from student council head to ministerial adviser. Having endured personal losses in the 2020 conflict, he now leads the foundation supporting fellow citizens from Nagorno-Karabakh, combining professionalism with a deep personal connection to the region.