#AraratChallenge is a global crowdfunding initiative, reflecting the impact of the Aurora Humanitarian Movement in Armenia and Armenian communities globally. It was launched on July 19, 2019, in Tsitsernakaberd, Yerevan, during a symbolic ceremony held next to the Armenian Genocide Memorial.

#AraratChallenge is part of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Charitable Foundation.

At its first phase, #AraratChallenge was a video-based crowdfunding campaign set to increase the impact and reach of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative to combat poverty, improve healthcare and provide education to those in need.

In 2020, after the outbreak of COVID-19 in Armenia, the #AraratChallenge movement used the funds collected since July 2019 to make a $120,000 donation to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia and help Armenian health professionals on the frontlines with lung ventilation devices.

At its current phase, the #AraratChallenge crowdfunding initiative is focused on implementing humanitarian programs in Armenia and Artsakh designed to assist the people of Artsakh affected by the war. Donations received starting October 2020 help secure further funding for these projects.

At the core of the movement is Mount Ararat, a universal symbol of renewal and second chances. In everlasting memory of 1,500,000 innocent martyrs who perished in the Armenian Genocide, the #AraratChallenge movement intends to unite at least 1,500,000 contributors and supporters globally. Just as the Armenian orphans that survived the Genocide had a chance to start a new life, the #AraratChallenge provides an exceptional opportunity for everyone to join this movement and give a second chance to those who need it most.

“In 2015, on the centennial commemoration of the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by Ottoman Turks, we launched our international prize and humanitarian initiative to honor the memory of those who saved Armenians. We never imagined that Armenians would need support to survive aggressions in modern times, as we do today. We thank all those who are lending a hand at this time of extreme need.”

Video Messages of the Co-Founders of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative: