OVERVIEW: The Viola Foundation’s grantmaking includes support of educational and religious institutions.
IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. Contact information is provided below, but other than cold-calling the foundation, networking is the best bet to get on this funder’s radar.
PROFILE: Established in 2013, the Viola Foundation was established by billionaire couple Vincent Viola, his wife Teresa and family. Vincent Viola established the electronic-trading firm Virtu Financial in 2008. He also owns the Florida Panthers. According to tax filings, the Viola Foundation’s grantmaking supports educational and religious institutions, as well as the Italian-American diaspora.
Grants for Education, Military and Veterans, Community Development
Vincent Viola graduated from the United States Military Academy and served in the 101st Airborne Division and completed both Ranger and Airborne Schools. Viola has supported the U.S. Military Academy and funded the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point in the wake of 9/11.
Past grantees include Fordham University School of Law; City College 21st Century Foundation; Futures in Education, whose goal is to “ensure that the gift of an excellent Catholic education continues to be a viable option for current and future generations of deserving students in Brooklyn and Queens” ; Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church; and Eden II & Genesis Foundation, which deals with autism.
Important Grant Details
Viola grants range from $500 to $ 464,500 , and appear to prioritize the Florida Panthers Foundation. PLM’s filings do not indicate whether it accepts unsolicited applications; however, given its lack of transparency, it’s likely that it does not.
PEOPLE:
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CONTACT:
The Viola Foundation does not provide a clear avenue for getting in touch with the couple, but below is an address:
Viola Foundation
900 3rd Ave., Fl. 29
New York City, NY 10022
