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Milan Puskar Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$2.2M
Grant Range
$20K - $1.0M
Decision Time
2mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,188,639 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Data not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Applications reviewed in late October; funding by year-end
  • Grant Range: $20,000 - $1,000,000 (documented range)
  • Average Grant: $40,530
  • Geographic Focus: West Virginia only

Contact Details

Website: www.puskarfoundation.org
Email: info@puskarfoundation.org
Phone: (304) 241-5860
Fax: (304) 241-5859
Address: 7 Suburban Ct, Morgantown, WV 26505-2717
Executive Director: Lori M. Maynard

For meeting arrangements, site visits, or organizational and application questions, contact Lori M. Maynard, Executive Director.

Overview

The Milan Puskar Foundation was established to honor the legacy of Milan "Mike" Puskar (1934-2011), co-founder of Mylan Pharmaceuticals and noted West Virginia philanthropist. With over $45 million in assets, the foundation distributed $2,188,639 across 54 grants in 2023. The foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life in the State of West Virginia through strategic support of healthcare, education, addiction services, homeless support, and youth programs. Puskar, who contributed more than $22 million to West Virginia University during his lifetime, founded Mylan Pharmaceuticals in 1961 with a vision of making medicines more accessible and affordable in rural Appalachian communities. The foundation continues this legacy of community enrichment under the leadership of his grandson, Kyle M. Pratt, who serves as president.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single annual grant cycle with an online application process. Grant amounts vary significantly based on project scope:

  • Small grants: $20,000 - $50,000 (typical for pilot programs, equipment, or targeted initiatives)
  • Medium grants: $50,000 - $200,000 (typical for program expansion or multi-year support)
  • Large grants: $200,000 - $1,000,000+ (reserved for major capital projects and strategic partnerships)

Priority Areas

The foundation actively funds organizations that:

  • Healthcare Services: Health clinics, hospitals, telehealth expansion, medical equipment, and services for underserved populations
  • Addiction Services: Prevention, treatment, counseling, and care services for those struggling with substance abuse
  • Homeless Support: Organizations providing care, housing, and support services for homeless populations
  • Youth Programs: Initiatives that improve current lives and future outlook for West Virginia's youth through education, training, and support
  • Educational Benefits: Training programs and educational initiatives that enhance quality of life

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations without primary facilities, operations, and activities in West Virginia
  • Organizations not qualified as IRS Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities or governmental agencies
  • Organizations not authorized to do business in West Virginia
  • Organizations without committed constituents in West Virginia

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

  • Kyle M. Pratt (President) - Grandson of Milan Puskar
  • F. Thomas Rubenstein (Director)
  • David M. Thomas (Director)

Staff:

  • Lori M. Maynard (Executive Director)

Kyle Pratt has stated about the foundation's approach: "The Milan Puskar Foundation is thrilled to continue a relationship built over decades" - reflecting the foundation's commitment to long-term partnerships with West Virginia organizations. The board oversees all grant decisions and funding allocations, with applications reviewed collectively during the annual review process.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted exclusively through the foundation's online application portal at puskarfoundation.org. Applicants must create an account to access the application form.

Application Deadline: September 30th annually (applications received after this date will be reviewed in the following calendar year)

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization or governmental agency
  • Must be authorized to do business in West Virginia
  • Must have primary facilities, operations, and activities in West Virginia
  • Must demonstrate alignment with the foundation's mission and funding priorities

Decision Timeline

  • Submission Deadline: September 30th
  • Review Period: Late October
  • Notification: Following board review in late October
  • Funding Distribution: By year-end for approved applications

The foundation reviews applications once per year during the late October board meeting. Successful applicants can expect funding to be distributed by the end of the calendar year.

Success Rates

The foundation awarded 54 grants in 2023 and 49 grants in 2022. While the total number of applications received is not publicly disclosed, the foundation's focused mission and geographic restriction suggest a competitive but accessible application process for qualified West Virginia organizations.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may reapply in subsequent years. The foundation has demonstrated willingness to provide ongoing support to organizations that align with its mission, as evidenced by references to "relationships built over decades" and multiple grants to the same organizations over time.

Application Success Factors

Based on analysis of funded projects and foundation priorities:

Alignment with Core Mission: Successful applications clearly demonstrate how the project will improve quality of life in West Virginia. The foundation has shown particular interest in healthcare access, addiction services, homeless support, and youth programs.

West Virginia Focus: All funded organizations have strong roots and operations within West Virginia. The foundation emphasizes "committed constituents in West Virginia" and requires that primary facilities and operations be located in the state.

Documented Need and Impact: Recent grant recipients have included:

  • WVU Medicine Children's Hospital ($1 million) - major capital project for pediatric healthcare
  • Mon Health System ($200,000) - telehealth expansion to improve healthcare access
  • Fairmont State University School of Nursing ($40,000) - homeless healthcare services
  • Lauren's Wish ($50,000) - addiction treatment and triage center

Strategic Partnerships: The foundation values long-term relationships and has provided multiple grants to organizations over time. Demonstrating capacity for ongoing partnership can strengthen applications.

Measurable Outcomes: Successful applications articulate specific outcomes and benefits to West Virginia residents, particularly in addressing healthcare gaps, addiction crisis, homelessness, and youth opportunities.

Healthcare and Education Emphasis: The foundation's roots in pharmaceutical access and Milan Puskar's legacy of supporting WVU suggest particular receptiveness to applications combining health, education, and training elements.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geography is absolute: Only West Virginia-based organizations with primary operations in the state are eligible - no exceptions
  • Single annual deadline: Mark September 30th on your calendar - this is the only opportunity each year to submit applications
  • Significant range in grant sizes: From $20,000 to over $1 million, so tailor your request to project scope and organizational capacity
  • Legacy matters: Understanding Milan Puskar's background in making pharmaceuticals accessible in rural Appalachia can inform how you frame healthcare access and rural service delivery
  • Pre-application contact encouraged: The Executive Director is available for organizational questions and site visits - use this resource to strengthen your application
  • Four priority areas: Healthcare, addiction services, homeless support, and youth programs are the clearest paths to funding
  • Relationship-building valued: The foundation's language about "decades-long relationships" suggests they favor sustainable partnerships over one-time grants

References

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