Ronald N. Krajian Foundation

A lifetime and legacy of philanthropy.

“We are dedicated to preserving a long history of philanthropy and community stewardship, by continuing to support causes ranging from health to education and scientific research to better the communities in which we live and serve.”

-Dick Hamparsumian, Executive Director

The mission of the Ronald N. Krajian Foundation is to provide funding and support to charitable organizations that enrich the lives of children and families in need.

Current Initiatives.

CHOC Mental Health Crisis Clinic (Outpatient Unit)

In recent years, we have seen many young people struggle with mental health. Since the pandemic, health professionals are even more concerned as COVID-19 forced many kids into isolation, which has only exacerbated mental health issues.

Even with community outreach and varied efforts to maximize our resources, there is still a large population of children in our county suffering from mental health conditions that remain without support.

In order to reverse these alarming mental health trends, the Ronald N. Krajian Foundation understands the importance of connecting children and young adults to the support and resources they need quickly, before they reach a mental crisis.

Developing a Mental Health Urgent Care Hub has been at the forefront of our Foundation’s initiatives, and is integral to reaching a larger population of children struggling with mental health conditions before they escalate. This Mental Health Urgent Care Hub which is a groundbreaking initiative, will serve as a bridge for patients who still exhibit high levels of depression and anxiety, but do not require inpatient or crisis care, and will enable us to make a major stride toward fulfilling our vision that every child receives compassionate and expert treatment, as soon as they need it.

We are proud to support CHOC in further establishing best practices and creating the only comprehensive Mental Health Urgent Care Hub in the region. We hope that our philanthropic gift to CHOC will help remove the barriers to mental health that many families face, ensuring children receive the timely and accurate treatment they desperately need, and help them implement solutions that make a lasting difference in young lives.

Ronald N. Krajian Scholarship - Coming Soon

Ron Krajian was a strong believer in the power of education to transform lives. During his lifetime he put this belief into action by supporting individuals who embraced similar values of work ethic, leadership and service to their community, as well as the betterment of humanity. The Foundation is excited to embark on the creation of this scholarship to honor Ron’s legacy by providing merit and need-based college scholarships to students pursuing business degrees. While the Foundation is unable to make grants directly to individuals, it will explore grant-making and endowment opportunities, and partnering with non-profit organizations to help ensure all students pursuing higher eduction receive assistance, and access to a high-quality education.

The Ronald N. Krajian Foundation Scholarship details are not yet available, however these grants shall align with four key initiatives— college and career readiness, literacy, work ethic, and advocacy. Scholarships will likely be offered to California and Colorado students pursuing a business or STEM-related degree. Applicants shall have graduated high school (or GED) from one of the eligible counties, must demonstrate financial need and must be pursuing a business or STEM approved degree at a 4 year, non-profit college or university. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll full-time at the time of application.

For more information, please check back for updates.

“One of the best things you can do if you have the opportunity… is help others.”

-Ron Krajian

Ronald N. Krajian

Ronald N. Krajian, a resident of his beloved Aspen for over 45 years, founder of K Investment Co., and long-time philanthropist passed away peacefully on March 19, 2017 in Rancho Mirage, CA of natural causes at 85.

Ron, often known as Ronny, was born in Los Angeles, CA on July 30, 1931 to Aram and Mary Krajian who had immigrated from Turkey. He attended Los Angeles High School, played football and was elected president of his class. He served two years in the U. S. Army, part of which was spent in Korea. He worked full time in real estate while attending and then graduating from Pepperdine College. He then began rehabbing and later building residential apartments. He then formed Krajian Investment Company in March of 1960, which became better known as K Investment Co. He found success in his real estate career early and semi-retired in his 30’s. An avid skier, he traveled on the infamous ski train to Sun Valley, Idaho where he met many of his lifelong closest friends. He then discovered Aspen and was so enchanted that he moved there in 1971. His goal was to ski 100 days per year, which he achieved handily.

Ron was known as the Unofficial Mayor of Aspen and was honored by the Aspen Historical Society as one of its’ Outstanding City Figures. His popularity in Aspen was legendary as were his social gatherings, attracting friends from around the world. He was a founder of The Aspen Mountain Wine Party, The Beach Party, The Fish House Punch Party, the T-Lazy Ranch Dinner and the Tour de Rump. He purchased the naming rights of the Ron Krajian bridge at a charity auction in 1986, and was proud that the Tour de Rump was held there for 20 years with over 300 guests. He also organized weekly business luncheons, gathering both interesting and prominent attendees as guests and speakers. “Ronny K” was a free spirit whose passion and joy in life was connecting people, distributing his funny papers to all his friends, and calling everyone on their birthdays. His Christmas card list exceeded 1,500 names. Whether he knew you for four months or 40 years, he made you feel as if you were his best friend, and all were greeted with his million-dollar smile. He spent many years dividing his time equally between Aspen and Newport Beach, CA and his later years between Aspen and Indian Wells, CA.

He will be remembered by his joyful smile, upbeat personality, his love of friends and family, and philanthropic work.

Chair & Executive Director
Dick Hamparsumian is the Chair and Executive Director of the Ronald N. Krajian Foundation. He works on behalf of the foundation to address both local and national issues, guides and approves grant-making strategies, and sets the overall direction of the organization. Mr. Hamparsumian works to expand opportunities to some of the most disadvantaged populations by collaborating with partners and other charities to improve access to healthcare, education, and other critical needs.

Proudly Supporting

Get In Touch.

Please use the contact information below to connect with a specific department that can best meet your needs.

General Inquiries
info@rnkfoundation.org

Media Inquiries
media@rnkfoundation.org
Note: If you are a member of the media, please use the email address above to contact us. Include your name, press affiliation, phone number, questions, and any pertinent deadlines.

Grant Making Requests & Inquires
grants@rnkfoundation.org
Note: The foundation is unable to make grants directly to individuals. Exceptions cannot be made.