WDEF - Chairman's Message

An endowment fund is a vehicle to support, in perpetuity any project or mission that one believes to have value or merit. In the case of the Western Diocese Endowment Fund (WDEF), the 1700 year-old Armenian Church and its associated activities in the Western Diocese have benefited from generous and farsighted donors since 1979. Contributions now exceed $6 million dollars and have provided more than $2 million dollars to the various endowments within the fund. These include youth activities, the summer camp, clergy education, Diocesan operations, the Diocesan cathedral, Armenian orphans, the Jerusalem Patriarchate and the support of various churches within the Western Diocese.

Participation is open and most welcome and requires only an initial $1,000 contribution to establish a new named endowment or to support an existing one. The WDEF welcomes donations in any form and will provide assistance to donors in establishing their endowment. As chairman, I am always available and desirous to meet and discuss the activities of the WDEF with any existing or prospective new donor.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank all who have contributed to the WDEF. We look forward to your continued support in furthering the mission of the Western Diocese and the Armenian Church.


Ben Krikorian, CPA
Chairman, Board of Directors
Western Diocese Endowment Fund