We are HDIF

HDIF's handicrafts bring Armenia’s rich cultural traditions to life.  Hailing from more than 15 locations in the country, our producer partners make high-quality products with unparalleled skill and talent.  Thanks to HDIF’s initiative, vibrant handicraft enterprises have emerged throughout Armenia and our artisans, who are mostly women, are employed in rewarding jobs.

Our Mission 

HDIF works to initiate, facilitate, and nurture sustainable economic opportunities in rural villages, towns, and cities throughout Armenia as well as vulnerable groups.  HDIF creates jobs that pay a living wage in Armenian communities and commits to regional economic development. In 2023, more than 230 artisans are engaged in producing for HDIF in Armenia.

Our Goal

Our primary goal is to empower women and families in Armenia. We achieve this by:

• Providing education and important skills to women to be successful as independent business operators
• Offering fairly paid, good quality, local employment for women (and some men) in Armenia's rural villages, border towns, and cities
• Promoting financial stability, creating stronger families, and stimulating sustainable rural communities, especially along Armenia's border regions

Our Projects

HDIF's projects include:

• Training workshops: We offer training workshops that teach business skills, financial management, marketing, and community-based tourism.
• Product development: We work with artisans to develop new and innovative products.
• Market access: We help artisans sell their products to local and international markets.
• Fair trade: We are a member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) and we are committed to fair trade principles. HDIF is the only nonprofit organization in the post-Soviet region that gained WFTO status.

We also partner with other organizations to fulfill our mission.