Dear Melkoniantsi sisters, brothers, Friends of Melkonian and concerned Armenians,

The name of the fund is MELKONIANTSI INTERNATIONAL (M.I.).  A special bank account is set up, so you can already start sending your Cheques, international Transfers and Standing Orders.

The results of the online statistical survey that we have been running for 4 months have revealed that Melkoniantsis and non-Melkoniantsis would contribute 3 times more to an Independent MEI, then to the AGBU to run the school for them.  These results cry out for a Fund of this kind.  So the sooner we start collecting the money - the better.

Note: After you have sent the money, please inform us whether you would like us to list your name in our monthly Income-&-Expenditure report.  If you don't inform us, then by default we will list the contribution(s) as anonymous.  

Please note: if you are based in Cyprus & Lebanon, we would recommend that you contribute to your local Alumni directly.

Fundraising FAQs:

Q:  What will this money be used for?  

A: To start with, we will build up a "Buffer Fund" dedicated to the efforts to keep the school open as it is. This will also be the "Seed money".  Shouting is not enough - the WAR has started and we intend to fight it hard, and it requires money - a lot of money, especially when fighting such a huge corporation as the AGBU.   If Alumni manages to resolve this issue with the AGBU peacefully and around a negotiating table, then the accumulated money will go toward the Phase 2: an intensive global fundraising in order to building up a Fund big enough to save Melkonian before June 2005

Q: What about the Transparency and Accountability?  

A: Unlike the AGBU we aim to be fully transparent.  As required by MELKONIANTSI INTERNATIONAL's Constitution the Income and Expenditure accounts must be published on this website every month.  And full accounts must be made publicly available annually.

Q: What about the management of the Expenditure?  

A: The money can go out of the Fund only after there is a unanimous agreement between the members of the Coordinating Committee of MI and will require 2 signatures.  This is designed so that money tends to accumulate, rather then be spent here and there.

The Platform of MI Fund  is here. 

Q: Can I be of any help to your fundraising?

A: Yes.  Actually, most of the fundraising will have to be done off-line. We will require many dedicated fundraising groups in different countries and cities.  Its simple: organize yourselves into small fundraising groups, develop a fundraising strategy and off you go.  You can then send the raised money by above methods.  We have raised a lot of money for the AGBU fat cats - Enough is Enough!!!  It is time for Melkonianistsis to have their own money.

Download the most recent Income Excel file: Click Here 

Even though we have not yet launched the fundraising (it will be taunched soon) we already have a few contributions.

We have in the last three months between the three of us spend at least 6 man months of time, worth at least $45,000 at commercial rates.  We will continue our work without touching a penny of your donations.

Many thanks,

Trustee:  Garen Karapetyan (Treasurer)

Trustee:  Souren Sarafyan (Chairperson)

Trustee:  Haik Nazarian (Advisor)