John And Mary Pappajohn Family Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $804,288 (2024)
Success Rate: Not applicable - no public application process
Decision Time: Not applicable
Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
Geographic Focus: Not specified
Total Assets: $71.3 million (2024)
Application Method: No public application process - trustee discretion only

Contact Details

Address: 94 Nathan Hale Drive, Stamford, CT 06902-1006
EIN: 81-4941931
Tax Status: 501(c)(3) private independent foundation

Note: No website, phone number, or email contact information is publicly available for this foundation.

Overview

The John And Mary Pappajohn Family Foundation was established in 2017 as a private independent foundation to continue the philanthropic legacy of John and Mary Pappajohn, two of Iowa's most generous philanthropists who together gave over $100 million during their lifetimes. John Pappajohn passed away in April 2023 at age 94, and Mary passed away in March 2022. Following their deaths, the foundation received a substantial bequest of approximately $72 million in 2024, bringing total assets to $71.3 million. The foundation is now managed by their daughter Ann Vassiliou and her husband Argyris Vassiliou from their base in Stamford, Connecticut. In 2024, the foundation made $804,288 in charitable disbursements, representing 91% of total expenses. The foundation operates as a private family foundation making grants at the discretion of its trustees.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not maintain formal grant programs with specified amounts. All grants are made at the discretion of the board of trustees. The foundation made $804,288 in charitable disbursements in 2024.

Priority Areas

Based on the lifetime giving patterns of John and Mary Pappajohn, the foundation's likely priority areas include:

Entrepreneurship Education: The Pappajohns were major supporters of entrepreneurial centers, contributing over $30 million to establish John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers at five Iowa universities and colleges
Higher Education: Major support for the University of Iowa and other Iowa educational institutions
Healthcare and Medical Research: Support for healthcare facilities and biomedical research
Arts and Culture: The Pappajohns established the Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Des Moines and made significant art donations
Scholarships: Support for ethnic, disadvantaged, and minority students through scholarship programs
Greek Orthodox Church and Greek-American causes: Through Leadership 100 and related organizations

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly disclosed. As a private family foundation, funding decisions are made at trustee discretion.

Governance and Leadership

Leadership Team

Ann Vassiliou - Co-Executive Director (Compensation: $62,500 in 2024)

Daughter of John and Mary Pappajohn
Resident of Stamford, Connecticut

Argyris "RJ" Vassiliou - Co-Executive Director (Compensation: $62,500 in 2024)

Married to Ann Pappajohn Vassiliou
President of two family-owned businesses: Acme Pallet Company, Inc. (New York City) and Di-Cor Industries, Inc. (Bristol, Connecticut)
Chairman of Leadership 100, a prominent Greek Orthodox philanthropic organization
Member of the Church of the Archangels in Stamford, CT
Elected to the Anatolia College Board of Trustees, following in the footsteps of his father-in-law John Pappajohn

About the Founders

John G. Pappajohn (1928-2023) was a venture capitalist and entrepreneur who built his fortune through investments in healthcare and biotechnology companies. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1952 and was a member of the Horatio Alger Association. He told Forbes magazine in the 1990s that his ambition was to become the greatest philanthropist in the history of Iowa.

Mary Pappajohn (1934-2022) was actively involved in board leadership roles with art galleries and organizations across the country and partnered with her husband in their philanthropic endeavors.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The John And Mary Pappajohn Family Foundation is a private family foundation that makes grants at the discretion of its trustees, Ann and Argyris Vassiliou. There are no application forms, deadlines, or guidelines available for prospective grant seekers.

The foundation operates as a vehicle for the Vassiliou family to continue the philanthropic legacy of John and Mary Pappajohn through grants determined by the board based on their strategic priorities and interests.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made at trustee discretion without a formal application or decision cycle.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - there is no public application process.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept public applications, there are no specific application success factors. Organizations seeking support would need to have an existing relationship with the Vassiliou family or be identified by the trustees as aligned with the foundation's mission to continue the Pappajohn legacy.

Based on John and Mary Pappajohn's lifetime giving patterns, the foundation appears most likely to support:

Iowa-based institutions: The Pappajohns focused their philanthropy heavily on Iowa, particularly the University of Iowa and other state institutions
Entrepreneurship and business education: The Pappajohns' signature initiative was establishing five entrepreneurial centers across Iowa
Support for Greek-American and Greek Orthodox causes: The family maintains strong connections to the Greek-American community through Leadership 100
Educational institutions and scholarship programs: Particularly those serving disadvantaged and minority students
Arts and cultural institutions: The Pappajohns were major art collectors and supporters

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

No public application process: This is a private family foundation that makes grants at trustee discretion only
Connecticut-based management: While the Pappajohn legacy focused on Iowa, the foundation is now managed from Connecticut by the next generation
Substantial new assets: The foundation received approximately $72 million from the Pappajohn estates in 2024, significantly expanding its capacity
Legacy continuation: The foundation's grantmaking will likely reflect the priorities John and Mary Pappajohn demonstrated during their lifetimes
Iowa connection: Organizations with connections to Iowa, particularly the University of Iowa and entrepreneurship education, may align with the foundation's historical focus
Greek-American connections: The Vassiliou family's involvement in Leadership 100 and Greek Orthodox institutions may influence funding priorities
Relationship-based: Without a public application process, any support would require existing relationships with the trustees or being identified by them as aligned with their mission

References

Information compiled December 23, 2025