KASA Swiss Humanitarian Foundation

What KASA Swiss Humanitarian Foundation does

KASA Swiss Humanitarian Foundation, established in 1997 in Lausanne, Switzerland, is a non-profit organization that operates humanitarian and development programs primarily in Armenia, where it has been active since 2001. Its mission centers on youth civic education, Francophone cultural promotion, refugee integration (Artsakh and Syrian-Armenian communities), educational support for schools, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable tourism development. It serves children, adolescents, and young adults (notably ages 14-25 in vulnerable areas such as Gumri and displacement-hosting regions), French-language teachers and schools, refugees and displaced persons, and international/domestic tourists seeking responsible Armenia-Georgia-Iran travel experiences. The foundation runs dedicated physical centers (Espaces in Yerevan, the Gumri center) and operates four office/subsidiary units (KASA Suisse, KASA Erevan, KASA Gumri, and the commercial tourism arm KASATOURS SARL established in 2018).

The organization delivers programming through a hybrid of in-person activities (school partnerships, youth clubs, teacher training, community events) and digital infrastructure including a Moodle-based e-learning platform (elearning.kasa.am) offering courses in Armenian, English, and French for guide training, civic education, and professional skills, plus a proprietary digital badging system for youth-worker competency tracking. It also deploys the Innovarium educational model and publishes educational materials such as 'Pierres sacrées d'Arménie'. The technology stack is operationally functional rather than differentiated: standard LMS, social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo), and tourism distribution through its own portal plus AirBnB and Booking.com.

Revenue mechanics are diversified across three streams: tax-deductible donations collected primarily in Switzerland (CHF postal and UBS bank channels, plus French donations via ASFAR); institutional grant funding from OIF, French Embassy, Swiss Embassy, Dutch Embassy, Œuvre d'Orient, the EU, UNHCR, and historical partners such as Fondation Armenianos; and earned revenue from KASATOURS tourism (tours, guesthouses) and a construction arm that offers a 20% humanitarian discount to non-profit clients. Programs are delivered free of charge to beneficiaries; pricing transparency is not publicly disclosed for tourism offerings. The foundation is led by founder-president Monique Bondolfi-Masraff, with a small 29-employee footprint split across Switzerland and Armenia.

Name

KASA Swiss Humanitarian Foundation

Legal name

KASA Fondation Humanitaire Suisse

Website

https://kasa.am

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

KASA Swiss Humanitarian Foundation is a Swiss-Armenian non-profit delivering youth civic education, Francophone programming, refugee integration, and social entrepreneurship across Armenia, with a tourism subsidiary generating supplemental earned revenue.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Humanitarian Aid and Development Services

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Educational Support Services (611710), Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

International & Local Implementing NGOs (HLAJAKAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

International Grantmaking & Development Foundations (BPAGAKAH), International Development & Donor-Funded Education Programs (EDADALAB), NGO/Nonprofit Education Programs & Service Delivery (EDADALAC), Student & Youth Educational Tours (THAKAGAA), Volunteer Program Funding, Scholarships & Fundraising Support (EDAIAGAO)

Keywords

• Humanitarian aid services
• Youth civic education
• Francophone language programs
• Refugee integration support
• Sustainable tourism services

Headquarters

HQ city

Lausanne

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The foundation raises funds from private donors, primarily in Switzerland, with tax-deductible donation channels (postal account, UBS bank accounts in CHF and EUR). Donations from France are processed via ASFAR association.
2. Tourism Operations (KASATOURS): Since 2018, KASA operates a tourism subsidiary (SARL) offering organized and custom tours, guesthouse accommodations in Gumri and Yerevan, and tourism training. Revenue generated through tour fees and accommodation bookings via AirBnB and Booking.com.
3. Grant Funding: KASA receives project-based funding from institutional donors including the Swiss Embassy, French Embassy, the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), the Dutch Embassy, Œuvre d'Orient, and the European Union.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

KASA Swiss Humanitarian Foundation operates youth civic education, Francophone language promotion, refugee integration, social entrepreneurship incubation (KHTAN), tourism guide training, and humanitarian construction programs for beneficiaries in Armenia, supported by Swiss-based fundraising. It runs physical centers in Yerevan and Gumri, a Moodle-based e-learning platform, and a wholly-owned tourism subsidiary (KASATOURS SARL) offering guided tours and guesthouse accommodations. Revenue combines tax-deductible donations, institutional grants, and tourism service fees.

Product overview

KASA Swiss Humanitarian Foundation operates as a multi-program humanitarian organization rather than a single unified technology product. Its portfolio includes: Elearning Kasa (Moodle-based e-learning platform for courses on guide training, youth civic education, and professional development); KASA Tours (sustainable tourism services including organized trips in Armenia, Georgia, and Iran, plus guesthouse accommodations in Gumri and Erevan); and numerous social programs covering youth civic education (Jeunes Citoyens d'Arménie), educational support, French language promotion, refugee integration, social entrepreneurship incubation (KHTAN), and humanitarian aid in earthquake-affected regions. The organization also publishes thematic guides and educational materials. These programs operate semi-independently with varying degrees of digital delivery through the e-learning platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Elearning Kasa Moodle-based online learning management system providing courses for youth civic education, tourism guide training, and professional skills development in Armenian, English, and French.
• KASA Tours (KASATOURS) Sustainable and solidarity-based tourism service offering organized trips and customized journeys in Armenia, Georgia, and Iran, with a focus on off-the-beaten-path cultural experiences.
• KASA Guesthouses Guesthouse accommodation services in Gumri and Yerevan for travelers visiting Armenia, with listings on AirBnB and Booking.com.
• Jeunes Citoyens d'Arménie Civic education project for Armenian youth promoting active citizenship, community engagement, and democratic participation through youth clubs and the Innovarium model.
• Formation de Guides Touristiques Tourist guide training program providing in-person and distance learning since 2005, qualifying guides in sustainable tourism principles and heritage interpretation.
• KHTAN Social Entrepreneurship Incubator Social entrepreneurship incubator launched in 2021 to support creation of social enterprises, with emphasis on rural community businesses in Armenia.
• Construction Services Construction services for schools, community centers, medical facilities, and partner projects, offered at a 20% humanitarian discount for non-profit partners.
• Publications Publications including the book 'Pierres sacrées d'Arménie' on Armenian Christian architecture, regional brochures, and educational materials.

Quantifiable outcome

• 40 construction projects completed for communities affected by the 1988 earthquake, totaling over 10 million CHF in project value
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026OIF provides support and backing for KASA's Francophonie programming, including the annual Francophonie season, teacher training, and cultural events in Armenia. KASA has been a key implementer of OIF-funded initiatives in Armenia since the foundation's early years.
• Embassy of France in ArmeniacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025The French Embassy co-sponsors and supports KASA's Francophonie programming including the International Day of French Teachers, French language workshops, and cultural events. A key partner in promoting French language and culture in Armenia.
• Dominique Vaysse, Cooperation and Cultural Action Advisor (French Embassy)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Regular collaborator with KASA on Francophonie initiatives, facilitating connections between KASA and regional authorities including the Shirak prefecture for French language programming.
• Arabkir Medical Center (Erevan)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024KASA contributed approximately 2 million CHF to the construction of the Arabkir hospital and Arbès center in Erevan as part of its construction projects for partners.
• European Union (European Solidarity Corps)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019KASA has been hosting and sending European volunteers through EU volunteer programs (formerly European Voluntary Service, now European Solidarity Corps) for over 10 years. The foundation facilitates youth volunteer exchanges between Armenia and EU countries.
• Armenian Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs — Employment State AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Signed a memorandum of cooperation with KASA to jointly support job seekers, particularly youth, by combining resources from both organizations to address employment challenges.
• Association des professeurs de français d'ArméniecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Partner in organizing the annual International Day of French Teachers in Armenia, a key event of the Francophonie season held at the Yerevan Cinema House.
• UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017KASA cooperates with UNHCR on integration of refugees in Armenia, including Syrian-Armenian families and non-Armenian refugees through education and self-sufficiency programs. The 'Join the Community' sub-project specifically serves non-Armenian refugees.
• Tumo Center for Creative Technologies (Erevan)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016KASA organized the 'UNBORDERING Education' forum at Tumo in 2014, an early adopter of distance learning in Armenia. Tumo serves as a venue for educational technology events.
• Alain de Navarra-Navassardyan (Art Historian, University of Bologna)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015International expert who delivers annual art, history, and architecture training for francophone guides in Armenia, enriching the guide training program with academic expertise.
• Armenian Academy of SciencesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Partner for guide training through its Museum of Geology, providing specialized educational content for tourism professionals.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Croix-Rouge suisse (Swiss Red Cross): Major Swiss humanitarian organization running international cooperation programs. Comparable to KASA's Swiss humanitarian foundation status, though at much larger scale and across multiple geographies.
• Agence Française de Développement (AFD): French development agency funding education and social development projects in Armenia. Comparable as a French-aligned donor/implementer active in Armenia's social and educational development space.
• Swiss Solidarity (Glückskette): Swiss humanitarian foundation federating fundraising for charitable activities. Comparable because it is a Swiss-anchored fundraising-and-implementation platform, although it operates at much larger scale and across multiple cause areas.

Direct peers

• Mission Arménie: French-Swiss association supporting development in Armenia, with cultural and humanitarian programs. Comparable to KASA's Francophone-Swiss humanitarian model serving Armenia.
• Fondation Hirair: Swiss-Armenian humanitarian foundation working on education, social welfare, and cultural preservation in Armenia. Comparable to KASA's Swiss-anchored model targeting Armenian beneficiaries.
• AGBU (Armenian General Benevolent Union): Diaspora-led humanitarian and educational foundation serving Armenian communities globally with programs in education, humanitarian aid, and cultural preservation. Closely comparable to KASA's Swiss-Armenian humanitarian and educational mission in Armenia.
• Fondation Aide à l'Enfance Arménienne: Swiss-based foundation supporting Armenian children and youth through education, orphanages, and humanitarian aid. Closely comparable to KASA's Swiss-rooted, Armenia-focused humanitarian and educational mission.
• Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society: Diaspora-led Armenian organization focused on education, cultural preservation, and youth programs. Comparable to KASA's youth civic education, language promotion, and cultural heritage programs in Armenia.

Others

• Heifer International / Heifer Armenia: International NGO running rural development and social entrepreneurship programs in Armenia. Comparable to KASA in operating rural community development and KHTAN social entrepreneurship programs in Armenian regions.

Emerging players

• Armenian National Committee (ANCA) / Armenia Tree Project (related diaspora NGOs): Humanitarian/development NGOs operating in Armenia with global fundraising networks. Comparable to KASA in serving Armenian community needs through diaspora fundraising, though focused on environmental/community development.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubevimeo.com/user15295561
• Facebookfacebook.com/KASA-Swiss-Humanitarian-Foundation-301302166549163
• Instagraminstagram.com/kasa__foundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kasa-swiss-humanitarian-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about KASA Swiss Humanitarian Foundation