H. Hovnanian Family Foundation Parks and Recreations Grants

The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation, a private philanthropic entity, is committed to fostering sustainable development and cultural preservation within Armenian communities and the Republic of Armenia. Known for supporting impactful initiatives across a range of sectors, the Foundation funds projects that demonstrate strong community benefit and alignment with Armenian national development goals. In 2024, the Foundation introduced a revised strategy that dedicates each calendar quarter to a specific focus area, enhancing its ability to deliver concentrated support. For the first quarter of 2026, the focus is on Parks and Recreation, specifically targeting Armenia’s southern regions of Vayots Dzor and Syunik. This grant opportunity is part of the Foundation’s effort to improve health, quality of life, environmental resilience, and tourism in Armenia through the development and enhancement of public spaces. The initiative seeks to support projects that create or rehabilitate parks, public playgrounds, sports grounds, national parks, and preserved green areas. These investments aim to bolster rural development and enhance local infrastructure for long-term benefit. Projects can involve both infrastructure and programmatic elements, and applications that include co-funding from Armenian state subvention programs or other donors are especially encouraged. This focus on leveraged funding is indicative of the Foundation’s goal to act as a catalytic partner in larger public-private initiatives. The application process is structured in three steps. Initially, organizations must complete an online eligibility quiz. If deemed eligible, applicants are invited to submit a concept note. These are accepted on a rolling basis within the quarter, but only 20–25 full application slots are available. Once these are filled, no new concept notes will be reviewed. Concept notes approved by the Foundation lead to an invitation to submit a full application. Final submissions for the current cycle must be sent via email by March 31, 2026. Early concept submissions are advised to improve the chances of being selected for full application, as strong proposals submitted late may be excluded due to capacity limits. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations that are either IRS-designated 501(c)(3) entities based in the United States with Armenian-related missions or Armenian-registered charities with at least three years of programmatic history. Applications must propose projects implemented in either Vayots Dzor or Syunik, though the applying organization can be located elsewhere. Past grantees must wait a full year from the date of their previous award before applying again. The Foundation does not support overhead costs, non-registered entities, or for-profit organizations of any form, and it excludes politically motivated initiatives or those designed for commercial profit. Award amounts average around $50,000 per grant, with an overall allocation of $400,000 for this grant cycle. A total of 7 to 10 awards is anticipated, and grant contracts will be issued to successful applicants. While matching funds are not required, projects that demonstrate leveraged funding will receive preferential consideration. Applicants are also encouraged to incorporate programmatic or educational components alongside the physical infrastructure work, whether funded through their own budgets or other donors. All final applications are due by March 31, 2026. Funding decisions will be announced by mid-May 2026. For inquiries, applicants can contact Anahit Hakobyan, the Programs Manager, at [email protected]. This quarterly program is part of a broader funding cycle, with upcoming quarters dedicated to Arts & Culture (Q2), Healthcare (Q3), and Capital Expenditures for Public Institutions in Borderline Regions (Q4). Organizations are reminded that submissions are only considered during their designated quarter, and applications submitted outside those windows are deemed ineligible.

Submit concept note early as only 20–25 full applications are accepted per quarter; early applications are more likely to advance