About Us

The “H. Hovnanian Family Foundation” was established in 1986 by American-Armenian philanthropists Hirair and Anna Hovnanian

• $98.8 Million Through 2024

  Since its inception, the Foundation has given over $98.8 million to various charitable organizations, scholarships to students, and several of its own operating programs.

• 2004

  First group of 32 volunteers join the Birthright Armenia program, whose founder is Edele Hovnanian.
  
  Major grants awarded to healthcare, education, and community organizations in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, NJ, including:

  • Ocean Medical Center — $3 million for a new Emergency Room in 2013
  • Riverview Medical Center — $820,000 for projects including the purchase of a da Vinci Xi Robot since 2016
  • Ocean County College — $3.3 million for scholarships and expansions of programs since 2018
  • Ocean County Vocational Technical School — $2.3 million for renovations and upgrades since 2018
  • Community Medical Center — $5 million for their Emergency Room Renovation in 2021
• 2006

  Opening of the Foundation’s branch office in the Republic of Armenia to carry out charitable projects and educational programs in various spheres, including scholarships and fellowships.

• 2010

  Establishment of the Hirair and Anna Hovnanian Scholarship at Villanova University. 

• 2013

  Grant awarded to Ocean Medical Center for $3 million for a new Emergency Room
   

• 2015

  Consecration of Saint Anna Church in downtown Yerevan built by Hirair Hovnanian in honor of his wife. 

• 2016

  Grant awarded to Riverview Medical Center for total support of $820,000 for projects including the purchase of a da Vinci Xi Robot since 2016.

• 2017

  Launch of Fulbright-Hovnanian Scholarship Program as a partnership between the U.S State Department and the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation. 

• 2018

  Grants awarded to Ocean County College for $3.3 million for scholarships and expansions of programs since 2018 and Ocean County Vocational Technical School for $2.3 million for renovations and upgrades since 2018․

• 2019

  First grants awarded to nonprofit organizations in Armenia supporting initiatives in culture, education and youth development.

  
  Opening of the Foundation’s regional headquarters in northern Armenia in the city of Gyumri to expand Birthright Armenia and Armenian Volunteer Corps volunteer services.   
   

• 2020

  Launch of a private-public partnership to pilot test large-scale drinking water and irrigation system projects in northern border villages of Armenia.

• 2021

  Creation of the Hovnanian Public Service Fellowship for diasporans accepted into the iGorts program.
  
  Grant awarded to Community Medical Center for $5 million for their Emergency Room Renovation․

• 2022

  Announcement of a $10 million gift to Villanova University to support student scholarships, faculty initiatives, and academic innovation.

• 2023

  Launch of new Armenian Fellowship program to support talented Armenians showcasing their talent at prestigious international events.  

• 2024

  Opening of a regional headquarters in Vanadzor to expand Birthright Armenia and Armenian Volunteer Corps programming in the Lori province.