The Kosciuszko Foundation

What The Kosciuszko Foundation does

The Kosciuszko Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1925 in New York City by Polish immigrant Stephen Mizwa to promote educational and cultural exchanges between Poland and the United States. Headquartered in the historic Van Alen Mansion on Manhattan's Upper East Side, the Foundation operates three offices (New York, Washington DC, and Warsaw) and sustains a network of 11 volunteer-run regional chapters across major U.S. Polish-American population centers. Its core mission centers on bidirectional academic and cultural exchange, with tuition scholarships ($1,000–$12,000) for U.S. students of Polish descent and exchange programs sending approximately 40 Polish scholars annually to top-tier U.S. institutions (Stanford, MIT, Harvard, Yale, Columbia) alongside programs placing American students at Polish universities such as Jagiellonian University, co-funded with the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA).

The Foundation's operational platform rests on a digital scholarship application portal (Reviewr) for managing applications and recommendations, a WordPress-based website supporting membership, donation processing, and event registration, and a KF Alumni Network Database tracking scholar profiles. Its product portfolio spans scholarship programs (undergraduate/graduate tuition, Year Abroad at Jagiellonian University, Studies & Research Grants), cultural programming (KF Gallery of Polish masters, the Chopin Piano Competition, the Washington DC Polish Film Festival, the Annual Dinner & Ball), recognition programs (KF Collegium of Eminent Scientists), and youth engagement (Polonia Camp in Warsaw for ages 18–30). The Foundation has invested in expanding digital content via member webinars, including an AI introductory webinar series.

Revenue is generated through a hybrid model combining tax-deductible donations (with earmarked funds including a Help Ukraine Fund), tiered membership fees ($30–$10,000 individual plus Silver/Gold/Platinum business tiers), advertising in newsletters reaching 30,000+ subscribers, venue rental at the historic KF Mansion and DC center, and major-gift fundraising campaigns. The current Centennial Campaign (2025) is a 3-year pledge initiative aimed at doubling scholarship offerings by 2027. The Foundation disburses approximately $2 million annually in scholarships, grants, and fellowships, sustained by a small professional staff (1–10 employees) supplemented by an extensive volunteer and chapter network.

Name

The Kosciuszko Foundation

Legal name

Kosciuszko Foundation Inc

Website

https://thekf.org/

Company type

Private

Founded year

1925

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Kosciuszko Foundation is a 100-year-old U.S. nonprofit that administers scholarships, bidirectional academic exchange programs between Poland and the United States, and cultural programming (gallery, film festival, competitions) for Polish-American communities, scholars, and students of Polish descent.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cultural and Educational Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Scholarship & Fellowship Foundations and Trusts (EDADAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Country/Region-Specific Scholarships (Inbound/Outbound) (EDAIAOAC), Degree-Level Scholarships (Undergrad/Masters/PhD/Postdoc) (EDAIAOAE), Education Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAK)

Keywords

• Cultural exchange programs
• Scholarship and grant programs
• Polish-American nonprofit
• Educational exchange services
• Heritage cultural programming

Headquarters

HQ city

Quaker Street

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Annual membership dues ranging from $30 (student/associate) to $10,000 (lifetime), plus business memberships at Silver ($2,500), Gold ($5,000), and Platinum ($10,000) tiers. Provides recurring revenue and community engagement.
2. Donations and Contributions: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting the Foundation's mission. Accepts one-time and monthly giving, with options to direct funds to specific purposes (General Fund, Scholarship Fund, Building and Art Restoration Fund, Cultural Fund, Help Ukraine Fund).
3. Centennial Campaign Fundraising: Multi-year fundraising campaign (3-year pledge period) to expand scholarship offerings and cultural programs. Includes recognition opportunities, named scholarships, and naming opportunities at the KF Mansion.
4. Advertising Revenue: Newsletter advertising sales to businesses and organizations targeting the Polish-American community. Reaches over 30,000 engaged members, donors, and subscribers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Kosciuszko Foundation administers educational scholarships and bidirectional academic exchange programs between the United States and Poland, complemented by cultural programming such as concerts, film festivals, art exhibitions, and a tiered membership program. It distributes approximately $2 million annually in scholarships, grants, and fellowships through tuition scholarships, exchange programs to the U.S. and Poland, and grants for Polish scholars to conduct research at top American institutions.

Product overview

The Kosciuszko Foundation operates as a cultural and educational organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs centered on Polish-American exchange. Its core offerings include scholarship programs (Tuition Scholarships for Undergraduate and Graduate Studies supporting students of Polish descent at U.S. institutions) and bidirectional exchange programs (Exchange Program to the U.S. for Polish scholars conducting research in American universities, and Exchange Program to Poland for American students studying at Polish universities). The Foundation complements its educational mission with cultural programming through the KF Gallery, Chopin Piano Competition, Washington DC Polish Film Festival, and Annual Dinner & Ball. Additional programs include Polonia Camp for young Polish diaspora members, the KF Collegium of Eminent Scientists recognition initiative, and a tiered membership program. The Foundation is currently running its Centennial Campaign (2025) to double scholarship offerings by 2027.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Tuition Scholarships for Undergraduate Studies Merit-based financial awards ranging from $1,000 to $12,000 for full-time undergraduate education at U.S. colleges and universities, available to U.S. citizens of Polish descent with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Tuition Scholarships for Graduate Studies Graduate-level tuition scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $12,000 for master's and Ph.D. studies at U.S. institutions or English Schools of Medicine in Poland, for students of Polish descent.
• KF Exchange Program to the U.S. Flagship program awarding approximately 40 Polish scholars annually with grants and fellowships worth over $600,000 for field research, archival research, lab visits, artist residencies, or teaching at U.S. institutions including Stanford, MIT, Harvard, Yale, and Columbia.
• KF Exchange Program to Poland Programs for American students to study or conduct research at Polish universities, including Year Abroad Scholarships for intensive Polish language study at Jagiellonian University and Studies & Research Grants for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Studies and Research Grants to Poland Scholarships for graduate and postdoctoral research at Polish state universities and institutes, providing 1,800 PLN monthly from NAWA plus $750 monthly from the Foundation.
• Year Abroad Scholarships Scholarships for intensive Polish language and culture study at Jagiellonian University, including tuition waiver and monthly stipend of 1,800 PLN from NAWA plus $3,375 per semester from the Foundation.
• Polonia Camp Annual camp bringing together young members of the Polish diaspora aged 18-30 from around the world for high-level discussions, expert-led workshops, and presentations on Polish achievements in science, culture, and the economy. Held at Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW).
• KF Gallery Gallery at KF House showcasing works of Polish masters, preserving and presenting Poland's artistic legacy to new audiences in the United States.
• KF Chopin Piano Competition Annual piano competition awarding scholarships and performance opportunities, with laureates featured at the International Chopin Competition in Warsaw.
• KF Washington DC Polish Film Festival Annual film festival in Washington D.C. showcasing newest Polish cinema to American audiences, with award ceremonies and industry networking.
• KF Annual Dinner & Ball Prestigious annual black-tie fundraising gala held at venues such as the Plaza Hotel in New York City, celebrating Polish-American culture and community.
• KF Collegium of Eminent Scientists Program supporting and spotlighting Polish scientists through prestigious awards and public recognition.
• KF Membership Program Tiered membership program offering Individual ($60), Associate ($30 for students), Supporter ($120), Family & Friends' Circle ($250), Ambassador ($500), Patrons' Circle ($2,500), Leaders' Circle ($5,000), Lifetime ($10,000), and Business memberships (Silver, Gold, Platinum).
• KF Centennial Campaign Multi-year campaign celebrating the Foundation's 100th anniversary (1925-2025) focused on expanding educational opportunities, doubling scholarship offerings by 2027, preserving and promoting Polish culture, and strengthening community ties between Poland and the United States.

Quantifiable outcome

• Awarded $2 million in scholarships, grants, and fellowships annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, minor and core.

• TVN24flagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 23 June 2026Media partnership with Poland's largest news network for co-hosting 'USA–Poland: A History of Solidarity' panel discussion commemorating 250th anniversary of the United States.
• Łódź Film SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 June 2026KF supported new partnership between Łódź Film School and The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York for film industry collaboration.
• KARTA Center FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2026Co-organization of 'Collective Portrait of the Century' nationwide history competition celebrating Polish-American friendship and the 1926 Declaration of Admiration and Friendship for the United States.
• Brzezinski Global StrategiesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 May 2026Featured speakers Erik Brattberg and Pablo Rasmussen from Brzezinski Global Strategies spoke at 'Scaling Success: Poland's Private Sector in the Global Economy' event organized by KF Next-Gen Association in Washington DC.
• Jagiellonian UniversityflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 October 2025Jagiellonian University honors and strengthens cooperation with KF, recognizing long-standing partnership for academic exchange and Polish studies.
• Poznan University of Medical SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 October 2025New partnership for medical education exchange and scholarship opportunities. KF supports medical summer program and lottery for Polish medical school opportunities.
• University of RzeszówcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 June 2025Partnership agreement signed between KF President Marek Skulimowski and Rector Adam Reich for transatlantic academic exchange programs.
• Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with NAWA for administering exchange program scholarships to Poland. NAWA provides 1,800 PLN per month funding for Studies & Research grants and Year Abroad scholarships at Jagiellonian University.
• Jagiellonian UniversityflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for Year Abroad Intensive Polish Language Program at the School of Polish Language and Culture. University reviews and ranks scholarship applications.
• The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew York-based film institute partnered with Łódź Film School with KF support for Polish-American film industry connections.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Institute of International Education (IIE) — Fulbright Program: Administers the Fulbright Program and other large-scale international academic and cultural exchange initiatives. Directly comparable as a US-based nonprofit running high-prestige cross-border scholarship and exchange programs.
• DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): Germany's flagship international academic exchange organization, funding transatlantic scholarships and research grants. Closely mirrors KF's mission of facilitating country-specific academic mobility with government co-funding.
• Rhodes Trust: Century-old endowed scholarship foundation funding postgraduate study at Oxford for international students. Comparable as a legacy scholarship trust with selective, high-prestige awards and a strong alumni network.
• AFS Intercultural Programs: Global nonprofit operating intercultural exchange and scholarship programs for students. Comparable as a network-driven exchange organization running country-pair scholarship pipelines similar to KF's US-Poland corridor.
• Polish Institute of Arts and Sciences of America (PIASA): US-based nonprofit advancing Polish scholarship, arts, and culture. Overlaps KF on Polish-heritage cultural programming, scholarly exchange, and academic community building in the US.

Broad incumbents

• Alliance Française d'New York / Fondation Alliance Française: Global cultural and educational network promoting French language and culture through chapters worldwide. Closely mirrors KF's chapter-based, event-driven, cultural-plus-educational model applied to a different national community.
• Open Society Foundations: Large grantmaking foundation funding international education, scholarship, and cultural exchange initiatives. Comparable as a foundation operating at much larger scale with overlapping mission themes (international scholarship, civic education).

Regional players

• American Friends of Poland: US-based charitable organization supporting Polish causes and people-to-people ties. Comparable as a peer fundraising entity in the Polish-American philanthropic ecosystem.

Others

• Jagiellonian University: KF's flagship academic partner in Poland hosting Year Abroad scholarships and serving as a delivery channel for exchange programming. Not a competitor but a critical operational peer in executing cross-border scholarships.
• Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA): Polish state agency co-funding KF's exchange programs. Functions as both a strategic partner and a structural reference point — comparable as a scholarship administrator and a co-funder for transatlantic academic mobility.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/KosciuszkoFound
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCf2CPhxjhbR5eKl_azLjKEA
• Facebookfacebook.com/thekf.org
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/1766207/admin
• Instagraminstagram.com/thekosciuszkofound/?hl=en

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The Kosciuszko Foundation