Timashev Family Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $19.9 million (2023)
Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
Grant Range: Varies widely - from humanitarian relief grants to $110 million+ major gifts
Geographic Focus: U.S.-based with international humanitarian initiatives
EIN: 82-1674572

Contact Details

Website: https://www.timashevfoundation.org/
Location: New York, NY (with operational ties to Galena, OH)

For inquiries: Contact form available on foundation website

Note: The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications.

Overview

Founded in 2016 by technology entrepreneur Ratmir Timashev (founder of Veeam Software) and his wife Angela Timashev, the Timashev Family Foundation aims to "empower visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators" by accelerating "individual potential for collective breakthrough." With annual giving of approximately $19.9 million in 2023, the foundation has dramatically scaled its philanthropic impact in recent years, with giving increasing from approximately $5 million annually (2020-2021) to nearly $20 million by 2023-2024. The foundation's most notable contribution was a historic $110 million gift in 2023 to establish the Center for Software Innovation at The Ohio State University—the largest single gift in that university's history. The foundation operates on a relationship-driven model, supporting pre-selected organizations aligned with its mission across education and innovation, arts and culture, and humanitarian initiatives.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not offer formal grant programs with published funding tiers. Instead, it makes strategic investments in organizations and initiatives that align with its three core focus areas. Recent grants have ranged from humanitarian relief support to transformative nine-figure gifts for educational institutions.

Priority Areas

Education & Innovation

Software innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems
STEM education, particularly for underrepresented groups
Workforce development in technology sectors
Student scholarships and fellowships
Early-stage talent identification and acceleration programs

The Arts & Culture

Arts and cultural institutions that preserve traditions and increase accessibility
Contemporary art initiatives
Theater and performing arts
Mindfulness-based learning connected to the arts
Museums and cultural education

Humanitarian Initiatives & Community Empowerment

Refugee and humanitarian relief (particularly Ukraine and Afghanistan)
Veterans' resiliency and recovery programs
Disaster relief efforts
Environmental conservation, particularly salmon ecosystems
Climate resilience
Essential community services

What They Don't Fund

While the foundation does not publish explicit exclusions, their documented giving patterns indicate:

They do not accept unsolicited grant applications
They focus on organizations and projects identified through their network and strategic vision
Their giving is concentrated in areas where they see potential for transformative impact rather than general operating support for established programs

Governance and Leadership

Co-Founders:

Ratmir Timashev - Technology entrepreneur who earned his master's degree in chemical physics at Ohio State in 1996. He founded Aelita Software and later Veeam Software, both of which grew to global prominence before acquisition. His guiding philosophy: "The most powerful source of energy is human entrepreneurship."

Angela Timashev - Art collector and global philanthropist focused on contemporary art, theater, and mindfulness-based learning. She serves on the boards of Greens Farms Academy and The Bruce Museum. She "believes in a personal, relationship-driven approach, listening and tailoring support to each project's needs."

Board of Directors:

Ratmir Timashev
Anzhela (Angela) Timashev
Anton Timashev
Michael Triplett

All directors serve without compensation.

Key Quotes from Leadership

Ratmir Timashev on their philanthropic philosophy: "Our philosophy of philanthropy is very simple: 'Right time, right place, brilliant project,' which is the same theory I have for business success."

"When you've benefited from the kind of opportunities we have, there's a responsibility to create the same kind of opportunities for the next generations."

Angela Timashev on their approach: "We believe in the power of the individual, and we believe philanthropy can create an environment for other people to thrive."

On their vision for giving: "We want people to dream big, and we are hoping this gift will inspire students and faculty and community leaders to pursue great opportunities."

On their selection criteria: "We are looking for leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, with extraordinary vision and unstoppable drive."

"We believe in individuals first, then their causes. Because, when determined people meet opportunity, their progress opens doors for others to follow."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Timashev Family Foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation only makes contributions to pre-selected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Grants are awarded based on:

Trustee discretion and strategic vision
Pre-existing relationships with organizational leadership
Alignment with the foundation's mission and the Timashevs' personal interests
Projects identified through the founders' networks in technology, arts, and education sectors

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation's giving is highly strategic and relationship-driven. Based on documented patterns:

Board Connections: Angela Timashev serves on the boards of Greens Farms Academy and The Bruce Museum—both organizations that align with the foundation's funding priorities. Board involvement by the Timashevs appears to be a pathway to foundation support.

Ohio State University Connection: Ratmir Timashev's connection to The Ohio State University (where he earned his master's degree) led to the foundation's largest gift. Alumni and institutional relationships with Ohio State, particularly in technology and entrepreneurship sectors, may provide access to the foundation's network.

Technology & Innovation Ecosystem: The foundation seeks "leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, with extraordinary vision and unstoppable drive." Organizations working in software innovation, entrepreneurship ecosystems, and STEM education that intersect with Columbus, Ohio, or Palo Alto-area tech communities may be of interest.

Crisis Response Networks: The foundation's support for World Central Kitchen (Ukraine relief) and IsraAid (disaster relief) suggests they respond to acute humanitarian crises through established relief organizations with proven track records.

Personal Approach: Angela Timashev is noted for her "personal, relationship-driven approach, listening and tailoring support to each project's needs." This suggests the foundation values direct relationships with organizational leaders and deep understanding of specific projects.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. Given the foundation's large-scale strategic gifts, decision timelines likely vary significantly based on project scope.

Success Rates

Not applicable—the foundation does not accept applications from the general public.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable—the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis.

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation does not accept applications, the following factors characterize successful partnerships based on their documented giving:

Alignment with "Right Time, Right Place, Brilliant Project": The foundation's stated philosophy emphasizes timing, strategic positioning, and project excellence. Their $110 million gift to Ohio State came at a moment when the university was ready to establish a center that could create a "flywheel effect" in the region's innovation ecosystem.

Individual-Centered Approach: "We believe in individuals first, then their causes. Because, when determined people meet opportunity, their progress opens doors for others to follow." The foundation seeks exceptional individuals with "extraordinary vision and unstoppable drive" rather than simply funding organizations.

Transformative Potential: The foundation favors projects with potential for large-scale impact. As Ratmir Timashev describes: "We envision creating a flywheel, where we give opportunities to students and faculty so they can do something meaningful. And after they're successful, they return to Columbus and do the same as we have."

Education & Opportunity Creation: The foundation prioritizes initiatives that create educational pathways and opportunities for the next generation. Their Technology Leaders of the Future (TLF) program provides fully-funded international education for "exceptional high school students with unstoppable drive," connecting them with advanced education and real-world experience.

Values of Generosity and Cultural Understanding: Projects that promote "generosity, community, and respect for others and their cultures" align with the foundation's stated values. Ratmir Timashev believes "culture has the power to bring us together, by reminding us of the values we share."

Demonstrated Excellence and Track Record: Organizations receiving support (Ohio State, World Central Kitchen, IsraAid, Wild Salmon Center, Mighty Oaks Foundation) are established institutions with proven track records in their respective fields.

Equity and Access Focus: The foundation supports "grants and scholarships that support underrepresented individuals in STEM" and "initiatives that promote access to the arts and culture," reflecting their commitment to equity.

Recent Grant Recipients

While the foundation made seven grants in 2023, specific recipients beyond the following are not publicly disclosed:

The Ohio State University - $110 million (2023) to establish the Center for Software Innovation, including endowed professorships, student scholarships and internships, and an incubator program
World Central Kitchen - Humanitarian relief support following the invasion of Ukraine, providing hundreds of thousands of meals
IsraAid - Support for global disaster relief efforts
Wild Salmon Center - Environmental conservation funding for critical salmon ecosystem protection
Mighty Oaks Foundation - Support for veterans' resiliency and recovery programs
Kyiv School of Economics - Partnership through Ohio State's Center for Software Innovation for workforce development and veterans' education
Greens Farms Academy (Connecticut) - Support for educational initiatives (Angela Timashev serves on board)
The Bruce Museum (Greenwich, CT) - Support for arts and sciences institution (Angela Timashev serves on board)

Prior giving includes a $17 million gift to Ohio State's College of Arts and Sciences in 2020 for the Timashev Family Music Building.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Not Open to Applications: The Timashev Family Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. They work exclusively with pre-selected organizations.
Relationship-Driven Model: Success requires direct relationships with the Timashev family or their trusted networks. Board service, alumni connections, and referrals from existing partners appear to be primary pathways.
Seek Transformative, Not Incremental Change: The foundation invests in "brilliant projects" with potential for systemic impact. Small-scale or traditional program support is not aligned with their approach.
Demonstrate Individual Excellence: The foundation believes in "individuals first, then their causes." Projects led by exceptional, driven individuals with clear vision are more likely to resonate.
Strategic Timing Matters: Their "right time, right place" philosophy suggests they look for moments when their investment can catalyze significant change—not just support existing work.
Geographic Connection to Ohio: While New York-based, the foundation has strong ties to Ohio through Ratmir's Ohio State connection. Organizations in the Columbus region or with Ohio State partnerships may have indirect access.
Crisis Response Capacity: The foundation has shown ability to respond quickly to humanitarian crises (Ukraine, Afghanistan) through partnerships with established relief organizations.

References

Timashev Foundation Official Website - https://www.timashevfoundation.org/ - Accessed January 2026
Timashev Foundation About Page - https://www.timashevfoundation.org/about - Accessed January 2026
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Timashev Family Foundation (EIN 82-1674572) - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/821674572 - Accessed January 2026
Ohio State University News. "Record-setting $110M gift will launch the Center for Software Innovation at Ohio State." February 2023. https://news.osu.edu/record-setting-110m-gift-will-launch-the-center-for-software-innovation-at-ohio-state/
Ohio State Alumni Magazine. "Record gift to spur innovation." https://alumnimagazine.osu.edu/story/record-gift-ratmir-timashev - Accessed January 2026
Smithsonian Folklife Magazine. "The Power of Culture and Technology in Museums: A Q&A with Ratmir Timashev." https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/ratmir-timashev-family-foundation - Accessed January 2026
LEADERS Magazine. "Interview with Ratmir Timashev, Founder, Veeam Software." July 2023. https://www.leadersmag.com/issues/2023.3_Jul/Purpose/LEADERS-Ratmir-Timashev-Ratmir.html
Cause IQ - The Timashev Family Foundation Profile - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-timashev-family-foundation,821674572/ - Accessed January 2026
Grantable.co - The Timashev Family Foundation Profile - https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/the-timashev-family-foundation-us-foundation-821674572 - Accessed January 2026