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Edward & Helen Mardigian Foundation

Annual Giving
$2.3M
Grant Range
$1K - $1.4M

Edward & Helen Mardigian Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,270,700 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not disclosed (rolling basis)
  • Grant Range: $1,200 - $1,360,000
  • Median Grant Size: $6,000
  • Geographic Focus: United States (emphasis on Michigan)
  • Total Assets: $40,715,184

Contact Details

Edward Mardigian Jr.
39400 Woodward Ave, Suite 110
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
Phone: (248) 645-8946

No website or email publicly listed.

Overview

The Edward & Helen Mardigian Foundation was established in 1967 by Edward Mardigian (1907-1993), a Detroit-area engineer, industrialist, and prominent Armenian-American community leader, and his wife Helen. The foundation represents the family's ongoing commitment to returning benefits to the community, particularly supporting Armenian religious and cultural organizations, healthcare, education, animal welfare, and the arts. With assets exceeding $40 million, the foundation typically makes 25-33 grants annually ranging from $1,200 to over $1 million. The foundation is managed by family members including Edward Mardigian (President), Janet Mardigian (Vice President), Grant Mardigian (Secretary), and Matthew Mardigian (Treasurer), continuing the philanthropic legacy established by its founders.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single rolling grant program with no formal deadlines. Applications are accepted throughout the year and reviewed by the board of trustees.

Grant Range: $1,200 - $1,360,000
Average Grant: $81,096 (2024)
Median Grant: $6,000

Priority Areas

Based on the foundation's historical giving patterns and stated interests, priority areas include:

  • Armenian Religious and Cultural Organizations: Strong emphasis on supporting Armenian churches, cultural institutions, and museums, including St. John Armenian Church in Southfield, MI, and Armenian museums internationally
  • Healthcare and Medical Research: Significant support for cancer centers, geriatric care, surgical centers, and patient support services (e.g., Mayo Clinic, William Beaumont Hospital, University of Michigan Cancer and Geriatric Center)
  • Animal Welfare: Regular support for animal rescue and welfare organizations, particularly Michigan Humane Society and Detroit Zoo
  • Education: Support for educational institutions, particularly those with Armenian studies programs and university libraries (University of Michigan-Dearborn)
  • Arts and Culture: Support for museums and arts institutions
  • Christian Organizations and Churches: Focus on youth programs, education, health, and the arts

Geographic Emphasis: While the foundation accepts applications from organizations nationwide, there is a clear preference for Michigan-based organizations, with secondary interest in New York and Minnesota.

What They Don't Fund

  • Grants to individuals
  • Organizations outside the United States

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

  • Edward Mardigian - President
  • Janet Mardigian - Vice President
  • Grant Mardigian - Secretary
  • Matthew Mardigian - Treasurer

The foundation is governed by members of the Mardigian family, continuing the philanthropic vision of founders Edward and Helen Mardigian.

Family Legacy

Edward Mardigian (1907-1993) was an Armenian-American engineer and industrialist who fled Constantinople and built a successful career in Detroit. He was elected President of the Detroit Chapter of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) in 1928 and served as president of the Armenian Apostolic Society in Detroit, playing an important role in the construction of St. John Armenian Church in Southfield. His commitment to Armenian heritage, education, healthcare, and community welfare continues through the foundation.

Notable Quote: Edward Mardigian's philanthropy was driven by his desire "to return benefits to his community and country, and as an expression of his appreciation for the great opportunities which America afforded him."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Edward & Helen Mardigian Foundation does not have a formal public application process. Applications are accepted via written letter of inquiry submitted by mail.

Submission Method: Send a written letter including:

  • Background information about your organization
  • Intended purpose of the funding request
  • Relevant supporting documentation

Mail to:
Edward Mardigian Jr.
Edward & Helen Mardigian Foundation
39400 Woodward Ave, Suite 110
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

Application Schedule: Rolling basis with no formal deadlines

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. The foundation reviews applications on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Success Rates

The foundation receives an undisclosed number of applications and makes 25-33 grants annually. Specific success rates are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

No formal reapplication restrictions are documented. Organizations may submit new requests at any time.

Application Success Factors

While the foundation does not publish formal grant guidelines or application tips, research into their giving history reveals several patterns that may increase an application's likelihood of success:

1. Armenian Heritage Connection: Organizations with ties to the Armenian community, Armenian cultural preservation, or Armenian religious institutions appear to receive priority consideration, reflecting the founders' strong commitment to their heritage.

2. Michigan Location: While the foundation accepts applications from organizations nationwide, Michigan-based nonprofits, particularly those in the Detroit metropolitan area, receive the majority of funding.

3. Established Institutions: The foundation appears to favor well-established institutions with proven track records, such as major universities, hospitals, and established cultural organizations.

4. Major Capital Projects: The foundation has demonstrated willingness to make significant multi-million dollar commitments to capital campaigns and building projects, particularly in healthcare and education (e.g., $3 million for U-M Cancer and Geriatric Center, $1 million for William Beaumont Hospital Surgery Center).

5. Focus on Core Mission Areas: Organizations working in healthcare, education, animal welfare, and arts/culture aligned with the foundation's demonstrated interests have the strongest likelihood of success.

6. Clear, Specific Requests: Since applications are submitted via letter format, clear articulation of your organization's background and the specific intended purpose of the funding is essential.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No online application system: Prepare a compelling written letter of inquiry rather than completing a formal application form
  • Family foundation with specific interests: The foundation's giving reflects the personal values and heritage of the Mardigian family, particularly Armenian cultural preservation and Michigan community support
  • Wide grant range: Be realistic in your request - while grants range from $1,200 to over $1 million, the median grant is $6,000, suggesting most awards are modest
  • Healthcare and education strength: The foundation has demonstrated capacity and willingness to make transformational gifts to major healthcare and educational institutions
  • Rolling deadlines: You may submit at any time, but competition for limited annual grants (25-33 awards) is significant
  • Limited transparency: Success rates, decision timelines, and detailed grant guidelines are not publicly available, suggesting a more personal, relationship-based approach to grantmaking
  • Eligibility is broad: All U.S.-based charitable, educational, religious, scientific, and public welfare organizations are eligible, except individuals

References

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