Vranos Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3.82 million (2023)
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: Estimated $5,000 - $100,000+
• Geographic Focus: Northeast U.S. (primarily Connecticut)

Contact Details

Phone: 212-880-9896
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1532, Pennington, NJ 08534-0691
Physical Address: c/o Ellington Management Group, 53 Forest Avenue, 2nd Floor, Old Greenwich, CT 06870
Website: None
Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The Vranos Foundation is a private grant-making foundation established in 1997 by Michael Vranos, CEO of Ellington Management Group and prominent hedge fund manager. With annual giving of $3.82 million in 2023 (up from $1.26 million in 2017), the foundation has significantly expanded its philanthropic impact. Operating with minimal administrative overhead, it focuses on life sciences research, education, and human services, with a particular emphasis on stem cell research and neurodegenerative diseases. The foundation made 50 grants in 2023 and maintains strong institutional relationships, particularly with Harvard University where Vranos has established multiple endowed funds.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not have formal grant programs with public applications. All grants are made to preselected organizations on an invitation-only basis.

Priority Areas

• Life Sciences & Stem Cell Research: Major multi-year commitments to Harvard University for brain aging and neurodegenerative disease research
• Health & Medical Research: ALS, autism, mental health, behavioral health
• Education: K-12 programs, higher education, youth development
• Human Services: Food security, basic needs, children's services
• International Relief: Global humanitarian organizations

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated, but based on grant patterns, they do not fund:

• Individual requests
• Political organizations
• Religious activities
• For-profit ventures

Governance and Leadership

Michael Vranos - Founder/Trustee (Uncompensated)

• CEO of Ellington Management Group
• Harvard alumnus and major donor
• Board member of Boys & Girls Harbor and Hedge Funds Care

Anna-Karin Vranos - Co-founder

• Active in foundation decisions

James Ledley - Trustee (Uncompensated)

• Estate planning attorney at Kleinberg Kaplan

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Vranos Foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. All grants are made on an invitation-only basis through existing relationships and board connections.

Getting on Their Radar

Organizations have successfully connected with the Vranos Foundation through:

• Board Service: Mike Vranos serves on the boards of Boys & Girls Harbor and Hedge Funds Care, which both receive foundation support
• Hedge Fund Industry Events: The foundation participates in Hedge Funds Care initiatives and financial services philanthropy circles
• Harvard University Networks: As a Harvard alumnus and major donor, Vranos maintains strong connections to Harvard-affiliated research initiatives
• Connecticut Philanthropic Community: Connecticut-based organizations, particularly in Fairfield County, have stronger connections through local networks
• Established National Organizations: Well-known nonprofits like Teach for America and Doctors Without Borders have received support, suggesting the foundation identifies nationally recognized organizations in their focus areas

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed

Success Rates

Not applicable (invitation-only)

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable (invitation-only)

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, organizations that have received funding share these characteristics:

• Strong alignment with stem cell research and neurodegenerative disease focus: Harvard's repeated multi-year grants demonstrate the foundation's commitment to this area
• Connecticut location advantage: Organizations like Connecticut Food Bank, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, and Waterside School benefit from geographic proximity
• Board connections: Organizations where Vranos family members serve as board members consistently receive support
• Proven track record: The foundation supports established organizations with demonstrated impact rather than startups
• Educational focus with measurable outcomes: Recipients like Teach for America and Squash Haven combine education with clear metrics

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is an invitation-only funder - do not submit unsolicited applications
• Focus on relationship building through board connections and professional networks in the hedge fund industry
• Connecticut-based organizations have geographic advantage
• Strongest interest in stem cell research, neurodegenerative diseases, autism, and education
• Consider connecting through Harvard University networks if working in life sciences research
• The foundation has tripled its giving from 2017 to 2023, indicating growing capacity
• Small board structure means personal relationships with the Vranos family are essential

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990 data and filings for EIN 13-3948273 (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• Grantmakers.io - Vranos Foundation grant data 2021-2023 (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• CauseIQ - Vranos Foundation profile and financial data (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory - Basic foundation information (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• Inside Philanthropy - Mike and Anna-Karin Vranos donor profile (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• Harvard Gazette - "Vranos Family Foundation supports brain aging research" (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• Harvard Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology - Grant announcements (Accessed February 24, 2026)
• FoundationSearch - Historical 990-PF forms (Accessed February 24, 2026)