About Us

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

• $97 million

  Contribution of over $97 million by the Foundation to charitable organizations, student scholarships, and its own operating programs since its inception.

• 2003

  Launch of the Birthright Armenia program by Edele Hovnanian, providing Diasporan Armenians with immersive volunteer experiences that deepen their connection to Armenia; since then, over 2,500 participants from 55 countries have taken part.

• 2006

  Opening of the Foundation’s Armenia branch in Yerevan, implementing charitable projects and educational programs across multiple areas, including scholarships and fellowships.

• 2010

  Establishment of the Hovnanian Scholarship at Villanova University, PA, to support outstanding undergraduate students, particularly of Armenian descent.

• 2013

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

• 2015

  Consecration of the Saint Anna Armenian Apostolic Church in downtown Yerevan, Armenia, built by Hirair Hovnanian in honor of his wife, Anna Hovnanian.
  
  Creation of HIKEArmenia to promote hiking and ecotourism in Armenia, develop over 70 trails, and support rural communities.

• 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 the Fulbright-Hovnanian Scholarship Program in partnership with the U.S. State Department to support students pursuing a Master’s degree in STEM+E fields in the United States.

• 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

  Opening of the Foundation’s regional headquarters in Gyumri to expand Birthright Armenia and Armenian Volunteer Corps programs in Shirak region.

• 2020

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

• 2021

  Creation of the Hovnanian Public Service Fellowship to support Diasporans accepted into the iGorts program.

• 2022

  Announcement of a $10 million gift to Villanova University to support student- and faculty-focused academic initiatives.

• 2023

  Launch of the Armenian Fellowship Program to support talented Armenians in showcasing their skills at prestigious international events.
  
  Establishment of The Armenia Project (TAP) to advance Armenia’s democratic and economic development by strengthening its communications ecosystem.

• 2024

  Opening of the Foundation’s regional headquarters in Vanadzor to expand Birthright Armenia and Armenian Volunteer Corps programs in Lori region.