Viragh Family Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2.5-5 million
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation only)
• Decision Time: N/A (pre-selected recipients)
• Grant Range: $85,000 - $265,000 (typical operational grants)
• Geographic Focus: National (U.S.)

Contact Details

• Website: None
• Phone: Not publicly available
• Email: Not publicly available
• Application Method: No public application process - invitation only

Overview

The Viragh Family Foundation Inc (EIN: 52-2284009) is a private grant-making foundation established in 2001 by the siblings of Skip Viragh, founder of Rydex Investments, following his death from pancreatic cancer in 2003. With assets of approximately $37 million, the foundation distributes $2.5-5 million annually through 33-46 grants to organizations nationwide. The foundation focuses on supporting economically disadvantaged and low-income individuals through funding in education, health, and human services, with particular emphasis on homelessness, children's services, and medical research. Operating as a family-run foundation without employees, all board members serve without compensation, maintaining a lean operation where 91.4% of expenses go directly to charitable disbursements.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs but makes discretionary grants typically ranging from $85,000-$265,000 for operational and capital needs. They also occasionally make major gifts in the millions for research institutions with strong alignment to their mission.

Priority Areas

• Social & Human Services (43% of giving): Homelessness services, especially housing; children and youth services including homeless children; services for abused and neglected children; domestic violence prevention; family services
• Education (23% of giving): Programs helping economically disadvantaged individuals achieve educational goals
• Health (18% of giving): Pancreatic cancer research (personal connection); multiple sclerosis research; health services for low-income populations
• Hunger and Homelessness: Direct services addressing basic needs

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, their consistent funding pattern excludes: arts and culture organizations, environmental causes, international programs, political advocacy, and general operating support for organizations not serving economically disadvantaged populations.

Governance and Leadership

Board Officers (all unpaid positions):

• Mark S. Viragh - President (Skip Viragh's brother)
• Katherine A. Viragh - Vice President (Skip Viragh's sister)
• Andrew J. Viragh - Vice President
• Amanda Viragh - Secretary (Skip Viragh's daughter)
• Jean M. Dahl - Director (Skip Viragh's sister)

The foundation maintains strong family governance, with all board positions held by Skip Viragh's relatives who continue his philanthropic legacy with a focus on causes close to his experience, particularly pancreatic cancer research.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Viragh Family Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, contributing only to pre-selected charitable organizations. Grants are made at the discretion of the board based on their own research and pre-existing relationships. Organizations cannot submit unsolicited applications.

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation identifies recipients through board members' connections and knowledge of the nonprofit sector. Organizations aligned with their mission of serving economically disadvantaged populations in major U.S. cities, particularly those working in pancreatic cancer research, multiple sclerosis, homelessness services, or children's welfare, may come to their attention through sector leadership and demonstrated impact.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - recipients are pre-selected by the board

Success Rates

Not applicable - no public application process

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - invitation only model

Application Success Factors

Given the invitation-only nature of this foundation, traditional application advice does not apply. However, organizations hoping to be considered should focus on:

• Demonstrated excellence in serving economically disadvantaged populations, particularly in their priority areas
• Geographic presence in major U.S. urban areas where the foundation has historically funded
• Strong outcomes data showing measurable impact on low-income communities
• Alignment with personal interests: Organizations working on pancreatic cancer or multiple sclerosis research may receive special consideration due to personal connections
• Visibility in the sector: Being recognized as a leader in addressing homelessness, children's services, or health disparities for low-income populations

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Viragh Family Foundation is a legitimate, active funder distributing $2.5-5 million annually but operates exclusively through pre-selection
• There is no application process - efforts to submit unsolicited proposals will not be successful
• Focus areas are very specific: economically disadvantaged populations in education, health, and human services
• The foundation has a personal connection to pancreatic cancer research due to Skip Viragh's death from the disease
• Despite being Maryland-based, they fund nationally with documented grants across many U.S. cities
• As a family foundation with no staff, all decisions are made by board members who are Skip Viragh's relatives
• Historical grants show willingness to fund both operational needs ($85,000-$265,000 range) and major research initiatives (millions)

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990-PF filings for EIN 52-2284009 (Accessed February 2026)
• Charity Navigator Profile - Viragh Family Foundation Inc (Accessed February 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report Analysis - 2024 Filing Data (Accessed February 2026)
• Grantmakers.io Foundation Profile - Historical grant data 2001-2024 (Accessed February 2026)
• CauseIQ Nonprofit Intelligence - Foundation analysis and recipient tracking (Accessed February 2026)
• Johns Hopkins Medicine - Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research announcement (2014)
• Pancreatic Cancer Action Network - Major gift announcement (2015)
• Candid/Foundation Directory - Viragh Family Foundation profile (Accessed February 2026)