POLISH-AMERICAN FREEDOM FOUNDATION

What POLISH-AMERICAN FREEDOM FOUNDATION does

The Polish-American Freedom Foundation (Polsko-Amerykańska Fundacja Wolności, PAFW) is a Warsaw-headquartered grant-giving nonprofit established in 2000 by the Polish-American Enterprise Fund, which was itself created under the US SEED Act of 1989. It operates under an independent Board of Directors chaired by Andrew Nagorski, with Jerzy Koźmiński (former Polish Ambassador to the USA, 1994-2000) serving as President and Grzegorz Jędrys as Operational Director since 2022. The foundation pursues a dual mission: strengthening the outcomes of Polish democratic transformation and sharing Poland's experience with partners in Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

PAFW does not sell products or services. It distributes grants through approximately 20 programs organized in three thematic portfolios: equalizing educational opportunities (English Teaching, Równać Szanse, Szkoła Ucząca Się, Szkoła Edukacji PAFW i UW with Columbia University Teachers College, PROJEKTOR student volunteering, Stypendia Pomostowe scholarships of 10,000 PLN, Kurs na Odporność, Universities of the Third Age); supporting local community development (NGO support, 78 Local Action Centers under Działaj Lokalnie, Sektor 3.0 ICT training, PAFW Leadership Program, Pro Publico Bono, Library Development Program covering 4,200 facilities, Lokalne Partnerstwa PAFW, Zielony Lider); and sharing Polish experience internationally (Lane Kirkland Scholarships, RITA, Study Tours to Poland, Wspieramy Ukrainę).

Programs are delivered through a network of specialized implementing partners (realizatorzy) rather than internal staff, with documented scale of 36,600 scholarships, 16,000 schools, 23,000 local projects, 200,000 teachers trained, 12,500 librarians trained and 11,850 study-tour participants since 2000. Cumulative programmatic expenditure is $305M against $299M of externally raised funds. Major recognition includes the Atlantic Council Freedom Award (2014), European Commission European Language Label (2016) and E-Inclusion Award (2012), and an NGO of Central-Eastern Europe award (2008); notable partnerships include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Library Development Program (2008-2015) and the wholly-owned subsidiary FRSI created in 2008.

Name

POLISH-AMERICAN FREEDOM FOUNDATION

Legal name

Polsko-Amerykańska Fundacja Wolności

Website

https://pafw.pl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Polish-American Freedom Foundation (PAFW) is a Warsaw-based grant-giving nonprofit established in 2000 under the US SEED Act, running roughly 20 education, local development and international knowledge-sharing programs through a network of implementing partners serving rural Polish youth, NGOs, teachers, seniors and Eastern European leaders.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Philanthropic Foundation / Educational Grant Programs

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Human Rights Organizations (813311)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Education Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

International Grantmaking & Development Foundations (BPAGAKAH), Democracy, Human Rights & Governance Assistance (BPADABAG), Volunteer Program Funding, Scholarships & Fundraising Support (EDAIAGAO), International Development & Donor-Funded Education Programs (EDADALAB)

Keywords

• Educational grant programs
• Philanthropic foundation services
• Scholarship and training programs
• Civil society development
• NGO capacity building

Headquarters

HQ city

Warsaw

HQ country

Poland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

The Polish-American Freedom Foundation (Polsko-Amerykańska Fundacja Wolności) is a Polish nonprofit foundation that operates approximately 20 grant-funded programs organized in three thematic areas: (1) equalizing educational opportunities for youth from rural areas and small towns (English Teaching, Równać Szanse, Szkoła Ucząca Się, Szkoła Edukacji PAFW i UW, PROJEKTOR, Stypendia Pomostowe, Kurs na Odporność, and Universities of the Third Age), (2) supporting local community development (NGO support, Działaj Lokalnie, Sektor 3.0, PAFW Leadership Program, Pro Publico Bono, Library Development Program, Local Partnerships, and Zielony Lider), and (3) sharing Polish transformation experience internationally (Lane Kirkland Scholarships, RITA, Study Tours to Poland, and We Support Ukraine). Programs are delivered through a network of specialized implementing partners across Poland.

Product overview

The Polish-American Freedom Foundation (Polsko-Amerykańska Fundacja Wolności) is a grant-giving foundation that operates as a unified portfolio of educational and community development programs rather than a technology product company. The foundation manages approximately 20 distinct programs organized in three main thematic areas: (1) Equalizing Educational Opportunities (including English Teaching, Równać Szanse, Szkoła Ucząca Się, Szkoła Edukacji PAFW i UW, PROJEKTOR-Wolontariat Studencki, Stypendia Pomostowe, Kurs na Odporność, and Uniwersytety Trzeciego Wieku), (2) Supporting Local Community Development (including Wspieramy Organizacje Pozarządowe, Działaj Lokalnie, Sektor 3.0, Program Liderski PAFW, Pro Publico Bono, Program Rozwoju Bibliotek, Lokalne Partnerstwa PAFW, and Zielony Lider), and (3) Sharing Polish Experience Internationally (including Stypendia im. Lane'a Kirklanda, Przemiany w Regionie-RITA, Study Tours to Poland, and Wspieramy Ukrainę). These are grant programs and social initiatives, not commercial technology products or software.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• English Teaching Program for schools, teachers, social leaders and NGOs that supports English language promotion and teaching quality improvement for children and youth from rural areas and small towns through training and grant competitions. Implemented by Nidzicka Fundacja Rozwoju NIDA.
• Równać Szanse (Equal Opportunities) System of support for local social initiatives aimed at equalizing opportunities for youth from rural areas and small towns through grant competitions, training, and events. Implemented by Fundacja Gotowi na Przyszłość.
• Szkoła Ucząca Się (SUS / Learning School) Program aimed at improving the quality of Polish education through better teaching and assessment methods and comprehensive school development based on teacher collaboration. Implemented by Centrum Edukacji Obywatelskiej (CEO).
• Szkoła Edukacji PAFW i UW (School of Education) Postgraduate teacher training program conducted with the University of Warsaw, offering one-year stationary postgraduate studies in Polish philology, mathematics, biology and history. Implemented by Fundacja Dobrej Edukacji.
• PROJEKTOR - Wolontariat Studencki (Student Volunteer Program) Program utilizing the intellectual potential of university students to promote active attitudes and equalize educational opportunities for children and youth from small towns through educational projects implemented in schools. Implemented by Fundacja Edukacyjna Przedsiębiorczości.
• Stypendia Pomostowe (Bridge Scholarships) Joint initiative of various institutions, organizations and companies directed at secondary school graduates from rural areas and small towns, providing scholarships for the first year of studies.
• Kurs na Odporność (Resilience Course) Program aimed at strengthening the mental resilience of children and youth by improving competencies and providing appropriate strategies, methods and tools to people working with them. Implemented by Fundacja Szkoła z Klasą.
• Uniwersytety Trzeciego Wieku (UTW / Universities of the Third Age) Program aimed at social activation of seniors through grant competition 'Pokolenia w Akcji' and support for Third Age Universities through training and mini-grants. Implemented by Towarzystwo Inicjatyw Twórczych "ę".
• Wspieramy Organizacje Pozarządowe (Supporting NGOs) Information and support system for Polish NGOs including the NGO Portal (ngo.pl), Informatorium with hotline, training, publications and advisory services. Implemented by Stowarzyszenie Klon/Jawor.
• Działaj Lokalnie (Act Locally) Program supporting initiatives of NGOs and informal groups through local grant competitions conducted by a nationwide network of 78 Local Action Centers (Ośrodki Działaj Lokalnie). Implemented by Akademia Rozwoju Filantropii w Polsce.
• Sektor 3.0 Program expanding knowledge and skills of NGO workers in effective use of ICT in social activities, including information, promotion, education and financial components. Implemented by Fundacja Rozwoju Społeczeństwa Informacyjnego (FRSI).
• Program Liderski PAFW (PAFW Leadership Program) Program for active participants of PAFW-funded projects and local leaders, using tutoring methods to support development of competencies necessary for community work. Implemented by Fundacja Szkoła Liderstwa im. Zbigniewa Pełczyńskiego.
• Pro Publico Bono Program supporting the Bolesław Wierzbiański Award for local newspaper editorial teams, training for local media journalists, and the annual Civic Congress (Kongres Obywatelski). Implemented with multiple partners including Stowarzyszenie Gazet Lokalnych and Fundacja Media Forum.
• Program Rozwoju Bibliotek (Library Development Program) Program supporting public libraries in becoming modern, multifunctional local centers of information, culture and education, having already covered over 4,200 library facilities. Implemented by FRSI and FRSO.
• Lokalne Partnerstwa PAFW (PAFW Local Partnerships) Program initiating and developing cooperation between participants of various PAFW programs who form Local Partnerships with other local organizations and institutions. Implemented by Akademia Rozwoju Filantropii w Polsce.
• Zielony Lider (Green Leader) Program supporting local leaders in environmental protection, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and effective fundraising for such initiatives. Implemented by Fundacja Sendzimira.
• Stypendia im. Lane'a Kirklanda (Lane Kirkland Scholarships) Scholarship program for young leaders from Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia offering two-semester postgraduate studies at Polish universities and professional internships. Implemented by Fundacja Liderzy Przemian.
• Przemiany w Regionie (RITA) Program supporting Polish NGO initiatives to share Polish experiences in various aspects of systemic transformation and European integration with partners in Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia. Implemented by Fundacja Edukacja dla Demokracji.
• Study Tours to Poland (STP) Study visits in Poland for active citizens from Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia, including student leaders and professionals, and support for the Warsaw Euro-Atlantic Summer Academy (WEASA). Implemented by Fundacja Liderzy Przemian.
• Wspieramy Ukrainę (We Support Ukraine) Special grant program launched in response to the war in Ukraine, directed at Polish NGOs providing assistance to civilians in Ukraine and Ukrainian war refugees in Poland. Implemented by Fundacja Edukacja dla Demokracji.

Quantifiable outcome

• 36,600 scholarships awarded to date
• +3 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Fundacja Billa i Melindy Gatesów (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008Partnership starting in 2008 with the world's largest non-governmental grant-making institution, resulting in the implementation of the Biblioteki Rozwoju Program in Poland (2008-2015), which transformed nearly 4,000 libraries in small towns into modern information, education, culture, and civic engagement centers.
• Nidzicka Fundacja Rozwoju „Nida"coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for the English Teaching program, which supports English language education in rural areas and small towns through training and grant competitions.
• Fundacja Gotowi na PrzyszłośćcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for the Równać Szanse (Equal Opportunities) program supporting local social initiatives for youth from rural areas.
• Centrum Edukacji Obywatelskiej (CEO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for the Szkoła Ucząca Się (Learning School/SUS) program, which improves Polish education quality through teacher collaboration and new teaching methods.
• Fundacja Dobrej EdukacjicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for the Szkoła Edukacji PAFW i UW (PAFW and UW School of Education), a one-year postgraduate program preparing students to become teachers, developed in collaboration with Columbia University's Teachers College.
• Fundacja Edukacyjna PrzedsiębiorczościcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for PROJEKTOR - Student Volunteer Program (connecting university students with schools in small towns) and the Pomostowe Scholarships program.
• Fundacja Szkoła z KlasącoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for the Kurs na Odporność (Resilience Course) program, which strengthens mental resilience of children and youth through teacher training.
• Towarzystwo Inicjatyw Twórczych "ę"coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for the Universities of the Third Age (UTW) program, supporting senior citizens' social activation through the 'Pokolenia w Akcji' grant competition.
• Stowarzyszenie Klon/JaworcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for NGO support through the ngo.pl Portal (NGO Information Portal), Information Service, and hotline 0-801-646-719.
• Fundacja Rozwoju Społeczeństwa Obywatelskiego (FRSO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for FIMANGO (information and support for NGOs) and was created by PAFW in 2008 to implement the Biblioteki Rozwoju Program.
• Akademia Rozwoju Filantropii w Polsce (ARFP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for the Działaj Lokalnie (Act Locally) program through 78 Local Action Centers, and the Lokalne Partnerstwa PAFW (PAFW Local Partnerships) program.
• Fundacja Rozwoju Społeczeństwa Informacyjnego (FRSI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for Sektor 3.0 (ICT training for NGOs) and the Biblioteki Rozwoju Program, created by PAFW in 2008.
• Fundacja Akademia Organizacji Obywatelskich (FAOO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for NGO training programs, including the Fundraising School and Kursodrom.pl e-learning platform.
• Fundacja Szkoła Liderstwa im. Zbigniewa PełczyńskiegocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for the PAFW Leadership Program, supporting active program participants and local leaders in developing competencies through tutoring.
• Fundacja Liderzy PrzemiancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for the Lane Kirkland Scholarships, Study Tours to Poland (STP), and WEASA (Warsaw Euro-Atlantic Summer Academy) programs.
• Fundacja Edukacja dla DemokracjicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for the RITA (Przemiany w Regionie) program and the Wspieramy Ukrainę (Support for Ukraine) special grant program launched in 2022.
• Fundacja SendzimiracoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for the Zielony Lider (Green Leader) program supporting local leaders in environmental protection and climate change adaptation.
• Stowarzyszenie Gazet LokalnychcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for the Bolesław Wierzbiański Award for local newspaper editorial teams under the Pro Publico Bono program.
• Fundacja Media ForumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for the Media Forum. Rozwój Lokalny (Local Development) project under the Pro Publico Bono program.
• Instytut Badań nad Gospodarką Rynkową (IBnGR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for the annual Civic Congress (Kongres Obywatelski) under the Pro Publico Bono program.
• YMCA of Northwest North CarolinaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership for fundraising in the United States to support the Wspieramy Ukrainę program, enabling US donors to contribute to Ukraine aid efforts.
• Biblioteka Narodowa (National Library of Poland)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for the Zbiorowy portret stulecia historical competition, with the event held at the National Library's headquarters in Warsaw.
• American Councils for International EducationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for the Zbiorowy portret stulecia historical competition finale.
• Teachers College, Columbia UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic collaboration partner for developing the innovative Szkoła Edukacji (School of Education) program curriculum.

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Trust for Civil Society in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE Trust): Grantmaking foundation specifically focused on strengthening civil society in Central and Eastern Europe — directly comparable mission, geography, and grantmaking model to PAFW's RITA and Lane Kirkland programs.
• Stefan Batory Foundation: Poland's largest independent grantmaking foundation, focused on democracy, civil society, and education reform — directly comparable in mission, scale, geographic focus, and grantmaking model to PAFW.
• Eurasia Foundation: US-based grantmaking foundation supporting civil society, education, and economic development across Eastern Europe and Eurasia — highly comparable to PAFW's Eastern-facing programs.
• International Visegrad Fund: V4-government-backed grantmaking organization funding civil society, education, and cross-border cooperation across Central Europe — comparable structure and regional mission to PAFW's international programs.

Broad incumbents

• Mott Foundation: Large US private foundation with significant Central/Eastern Europe civic and education programming — comparable scale and operating model to PAFW, though with broader geographic mandate.
• German Marshall Fund of the United States: Transatlantic policy and grantmaking institution supporting democracy and civil society in Europe — overlapping mission in Central/Eastern European civil-society strengthening, with grantmaking as a core instrument.
• Open Society Foundations: Largest private international grantmaking foundation with deep Central/Eastern Europe and education programs — broader in scope but materially comparable in mission, mechanism, and beneficiary geographies to PAFW.
• National Endowment for Democracy: US-government-funded grantmaking institution supporting democracy and civil society abroad — comparable operating model and explicit recognition of PAFW's parallel work (Atlantic Council Freedom Award recipient set).
• Carnegie Corporation of New York: Major US foundation funding international education and democratic engagement, including work in Eastern Europe — comparable mission, geographic priorities, and educational grantmaking to PAFW.

Regional players

• Foundation for Polish Science (Fundacja na rzecz Nauki Polskiej): Major Polish grantmaking foundation — directly comparable in country-of-operation, governance structure, and grantmaking model, though its primary focus is science and research rather than PAFW's education and civil-society emphasis.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/polish-american-freedom-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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