The Stavros S. Niarchos Foundation, an international philanthropic organization, supports charitable activities in four primary areas: arts and culture, education, health and medicine, and social welfare. The Foundation makes grants to nonprofit organizations throughout the world. In addition, the Foundation maintains a major commitment to supporting programs in Greece through the guidance of a locally based advisory committee. The Foundation places particular emphasis on endeavours that address education, social welfare and health issues for underserved populations, with special attention given to programs for children and the elderly. Selectively, the Foundation also seeks to support programs within and outside Greece that promote, maintain, and preserve Greek heritage and culture.

Foundation grants include, as appropriate, funds for operating and programme support as well as funds for select capital projects and endowments. A limited number of grants in areas of long-standing interest to the donor or that are deemed to be of special interest to the donor's family are also made. No grants are made to individuals.

The Directors suggest prospective applicants initially submit a brief letter of inquiry describing the organization seeking funds, the proposed programme or project and the funding requested. Inquiries may be submitted at any time and all written inquiries will receive a response. Full proposals will be requested at the discretion of the Directors, at which time applicants will be asked to provide all relevant required information. The Foundation's contact information is available on the website. Since its inception in 1996, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation has provided total grant commitments of USD $ 266,500,000 with 1,194 grants to various not-for-profit organizations.