Robert A Semonian Charitable Trust
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote Armenian culture and heritage. Its mission is reflected in its funding of various programs, particularly those related to community service, religious institutions, and international relief efforts aimed at Armenian communities. The foundation primarily supports organizations that further cultural preservation and community development, with a notable emphasis on faith-based initiatives. It serves a diverse array of recipients, including cultural nonprofits, religious organizations, and community service clubs.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small-to-mid sized Armenian cultural, faith-based, or community organization (often Massachusetts-based or with strong MA ties) seeking project support in the $5K–$100K range and able to demonstrate clear program purposes and local credibility.
Good Fit
- • Mission focused on Armenian cultural heritage, faith-based community work, or Armenia relief.
- • Organizational presence or activity in Massachusetts or a concrete local connection.
- • Request size aligned with the foundation's historical grants (roughly $5K–$100K).
- • A concise, project-specific proposal that clearly matches past grantee purposes.
- • An introduction or relationship to the trustee or local Armenian community leaders.
Geography
Grants in the latest year reached five states, including New York, DC and California, but 60% of grant dollars were concentrated in Massachusetts, indicating a regional emphasis with some out-of-state giving.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded 14 distinct recipients in the observed year, mostly independent Armenian cultural, religious, and relief organizations; however, a high share of dollars went to a small set of top recipients (top five = 82%), showing financial concentration alongside a fairly broad recipient list.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of turnover across years is unavailable due to a single observed year, but the filing provides application info and a named mailing/phone contact and the foundation accepts submissions without deadlines, so unfamiliar applicants could plausibly submit requests though selection may be relationship-influenced.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
