The Matthew D. Barsamian Foundation was founded by the Barsamian and Robinson families after the unexpected passing of Matthew Barsamian in 2019. Born in Rochester Hills, Michigan, Matt, more commonly known as “Barso,” grew up as an excellent student with a passion for sports. His athletic career culminated at Columbia University, where Matt was an All-Ivy selection and captain of the Columbia Lions football team, proudly wearing #76.
Upon graduation in 2007, Matt took his talents off the field to Citigroup, eventually becoming a Director in the Debt Capital Markets Group, where he was extremely well respected by his colleagues and peers. Matt had an infectious personality and an incredible positive mentality. He was a professional groomsman for those that were closest to him and an instant friend to everyone else, especially Packer fans, anyone that played golf, and fellow Columbia alumni.
His family and friends were his number one priority and he was fiercely loyal and incredibly devoted to the important people that made up his life’s team. While Detroit captured his roots, New York City was his home. Matt was exceptionally generous and we know he would want donations in his name to go to causes that were near and dear to his heart. Our hope for The Matthew D. Barsamian Foundation is to focus our efforts on charitable endeavors in both of his beloved cities, allowing Matt’s extraordinary spirit to live on through others in the places he cared about the most.
About Matt
Building Opportunities. Inspiring the NEXT PLAY.
Throughout his life, Matt was all about the TEAM. Whether it was on an actual field or not, Matt would do whatever it took to support his teammates in sports and in life. He lived by the mantra “NEXT PLAY” and was known to always be moving forward, looking for new ways to better himself and overcome obstacles with an unparalleled enthusiasm for what was next. The ‘NEXT PLAY’ mentality shines through within the mission of MDB Foundation in a variety of ways.
Through carefully selected organizations and special projects, we will aim at improving the lives of underprivileged and underserved Detroit and New York youth through sports, mentorship, and recreational infrastructure. Through these efforts, we hope to make lasting positive changes within the regions of which Matt cared about so deeply. While he was taken too soon, there is no doubt Matt’s teammates and fans will carry on his legacy in meaningful and impactful ways for years to come. As our guy would say, “it’s time to go to work.” NEXT PLAY.
Our Mission and Why It Matters
About U
Who we support
pairing children facing serious and chronic illnesses with college athletic teams.
a high-performing charter school committed to diversity and educational excellence.
providing mentorship and personal development programs for youth.
The Matthew D. Barsamian foundation seeks to provide funding to organizations that support the themes and ideals that defined Matt’s life. An avid athlete, Matt’s traits of confidence, dedication, and leadership were developed through the various sports programs he participated in all his life and the mentors who helped him along the way.
Matt believed that opportunity could be the golden ticket to success. We hope to honor his legacy by giving youth in Detroit and New York a chance to overcome challenges of their past and give them the tools and resources to tackle their NEXT PLAY.
- Construction concludes on Matt's Play Space at Detroit Prep with an official dedication ceremony.
2022
- MDBF partners with About U to sponsor the first ever "Next Play" Summer Bridge Up Program in NYC.
- The inaugural “I’D PUTT THAT” Invitational golf scramble presented by The Matthew D. Barsamian Foundation raises $30,000 and brings together nearly 200 of Matt and Lauren’s closest friends and family.
2021
- The Matthew D. Barsamian Foundation receives official 501(c)3 status via the IRS
2020
- A GoFundMe is created in memory of Matt Barsamian and raises over $160,000
- The Matthew D. Barsamian Foundation officially sponsors its first Team Impact participant and Columbia Football welcomes Gabe to the team.
2019
- Matt and Lauren get married and officially partner with Detroit Prep - in lieu of wedding gifts for guests, the newlywed Barsamians make a donation to the charter school.
- Matt and Lauren meet with Team Impact to discuss a possible board seat
2018
- Detroit Prep launches "Spring Soccer" program on Matt's Play Space for its first season
2024
- Enriched Living dedicates their 5th Adult Foster Home to Matt, naming it “Barso Acres” with a celebration party!
- Team Impact Signing Day: Mason Signs with Michigan State Football on the field at Spartan Stadium surrounded by the entire football team and Matt’s community of family and friends
2023
- About U “Next Play” Summer Program heads into its 4th summer and includes new students eager to learn and play!
- The Matthew D. Barsamian Foundation re-launches a brand new website!
