Khachkar Studios is redefining how religious and cultural revitalization can be funded. As part of its $100 million faith renewal initiative, the organization has allocated $10 million to go directly to the “Faithful” of the Armenian Eastern Diocese, marking a shift toward grassroots-led impact.
This approach aligns with broader trends in social innovation that prioritize empowering individuals rather than institutions. Eligible parishes or community members can receive up to $500,000 if they adopt Khachkar Studios’ Biblically inspired management “Framework,” which emphasizes data, transparency, and measurable outcomes.
The initiative addresses two critical issues: declining weekly attendance and low Social Return on Investment (SROI). Armenian parishes currently operate with a median SROI of 3.7x, while the target is 7.0x within five years. Khachkar Studios believes this can be achieved by strengthening community-driven programs and improving operational discipline. In addition to financial support, the organization is releasing educational materials that simplify concepts such as budgeting, transparency, and benchmarking.
The goal is to make organizational knowledge accessible to everyday parishioners, many of whom have never participated in parish financial planning.
By prioritizing direct engagement, Khachkar Studios hopes to create a ripple effect—one that elevates community participation, increases accountability, and ultimately transforms parish life. The initiative may also serve as a model for other cultural and faith-based organizations seeking scalable impact.
