The Kwek Society

What The Kwek Society does

The Kwek Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in Virginia (EIN 82-4369803) that works to end period poverty in Indigenous communities across the United States while centering cultural dignity and traditional teachings. Founded in 2018 by Eva Marie Carney, a citizen of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, after she read about students at Pine Ridge Reservation missing school due to lack of menstrual products, the organization distributes physical period care items through a network of 250+ school and community partners across 25 states. Its core deliverables are Moon Time Bags and Auntie Bags (hand-sewn or curated drawstring bags filled with pads, liners, tampons, underwear, and educational inserts), standalone disposable and reusable period products (including menstrual cups from Saalt and reusable pads from Glad Rags), and curated period education materials including traditional Indigenous moon time teachings. Products are sourced primarily through in-kind donations from corporate partners (Kimberly-Clark/U by Kotex, Procter & Gamble/Always, Saalt, Glad Rags, Bras for Girls, August) and aggregated at a warehouse in Alexandria, VA, before being shipped directly to school nurses, administrators, and community organizations.

The organization is funded through a diversified mix of individual donations (via PayPal Giving Fund, Give Lively, AB Charities, Endaoment, and mailed checks), foundation and tribal grants (Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, Wildhorse Foundation, Native Voices Rising, Waub Ajijaak Press & Foundation, Roundhouse Foundation, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Boulder Family Foundation, Joseph & Sally Keyes Family Foundation), a small merchandise e-commerce store selling branded apparel and accessories with proceeds supporting the mission, and significant in-kind product donations from corporate partners. The go-to-market motion is community-led: the organization identifies schools with significant Indigenous populations, connects through school nurses and tribal referrals, and ships ongoing supply deliveries throughout the year, supplemented by volunteer sewing of Moon Time Bags. Distribution runs through direct school partnerships and community organization partnerships (tribal organizations, youth programs, food pantries, summer camps), with no technology platform mediating the core service. The organization operated with only a board and volunteers until January 2026, when it hired its first employee, Juli Ana Grant, as Director of Operations.

The Kwek Society holds a Charity Navigator 4-star rating and a Candid (GuideStar) Platinum Seal of Transparency, has been featured in Harvard Public Health, the New York Times, USA Today, and received the 2019 Reykjavik Global Forum Power, Together Award. Cumulative impact through April 2026 includes over 5.2 million period care items distributed, with 2025 alone accounting for approximately 750,000 items and supporting an estimated 32,000 menstruators.

Name

The Kwek Society

Legal name

The Kwek Society Corp.

Website

https://kweksociety.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Kwek Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that distributes period care products, Moon Time Bags, and culturally grounded menstrual education materials to Indigenous students and communities across 25 U.S. states through 250+ school and community partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Menstrual Health Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (624110)

akta.pro primary industry

Student Wellness & Prevention Programs (Substance Use, Sexual Health, Bullying) (EDAJAIAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Indigenous/Tribal Education Authorities & Boards (EDADABAM)

Keywords

• Period poverty nonprofit
• Menstrual health equity
• Indigenous community services
• Menstrual product distribution
• Period care education

Headquarters

HQ city

Alexandria

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: The Kwek Society receives donations from individual supporters, including monthly recurring donations and one-time gifts. Donations are accepted through PayPal Giving Fund, Give Lively, AB Charities, Endaoment (which accepts cash, stock, or crypto), and direct check mailing.
2. Corporate and Foundation Grants: The organization receives grants from foundations and corporations including Wildhorse Foundation, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, Native Voices Rising, Waub Ajijaak Press & Foundation, Boulder Family Foundation, Joseph & Sally Keyes Family Foundation, and others.
3. In-Kind Product Donations: Major corporations donate period care products for distribution: Kimberly-Clark/U by Kotex provides pads, Proctor & Gamble/Always provides pads, Saalt donates menstrual cups, Glad Rags provides reusable pads and educational books, Bras for Girls provides sports bras, and August provides organic period care products.
4. Merchandise Sales: The organization operates an e-commerce store selling branded merchandise including apparel (t-shirts, hoodies, hats, beanies), accessories (mugs, drawstring bags), and stickers. All proceeds support the mission.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Kwek Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that distributes period care products and culturally grounded educational materials to Indigenous students and communities across the United States. Its core offerings include Moon Time Bags and Auntie Bags (handmade bags packed with pads, liners, tampons, underwear, and educational materials), standalone period supplies, reusable products such as menstrual cups and washable pads, and puberty/traditional Indigenous teachings curriculum, all delivered at no cost through school and community partnerships.

Product overview

The Kwek Society is a nonprofit organization (not a technology company) that operates as a single unified mission-driven offering: distributing period care products and educational materials to Indigenous communities. The core products consist of Moon Time Bags and Auntie Bags (handmade bags filled with period supplies), along with standalone period supplies (pads, liners, tampons, underwear). Reusable options including menstrual cups are offered as add-ons. Educational resources include puberty books and period education materials. The organization also sells branded merchandise (apparel, mugs, stickers) through its shop to raise funds for the mission. There is no software platform or technology product—the organization is purely focused on physical product distribution and education.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Moon Time Bags Handmade bags filled with period care supplies (pads, liners, tampons) distributed to Indigenous students free of charge to help them manage their menstrual cycles with dignity while staying in school.
• Auntie Bags Larger lined drawstring bags containing a full moon time cycle's worth of pads plus additional items such as fresh underwear and a paper period tracker, representing the care of trusted adult community members.
• Period Supplies (Pads, Liners, Tampons, Underwear) Disposable period care products including pads, tampons, liners, and cotton underwear for period accidents, distributed to partner schools and Indigenous students at no cost.
• Period Education Materials Curated educational resources including puberty education books, "Passage: A Guide to Periods" booklets, and traditional Indigenous teachings about moon time to empower students and reduce menstrual stigma.
• Reusable Period Products Reusable menstrual pads, washable period products, and menstrual cups sourced from partner Saalt, offered alongside disposable options to provide students with sustainable period care choices.
• End Period Poverty Unisex Short Sleeve V-Neck T-Shirt Apparel item featuring "End Period Poverty" messaging, priced at $22.50–$32.00 in multiple sizes; all proceeds support the mission.
• KwekSociety.org Unisex Hoodie Premium unisex hoodie with 100% cotton face and 65% ring-spun cotton / 35% polyester construction, featuring front pouch pocket and 3-panel hood, priced at $60.00–$65.00; all proceeds support the mission.
• Kwek Together We Can Mug with Color Inside Ceramic mug featuring Kwek design with colorful rim, handle, and inside; dishwasher and microwave safe; priced at $18.00, available in black, blue, and yellow; all proceeds support the mission.
• Drawstring Bag All-over print drawstring bag sold at $30.00; all proceeds support the mission.
• Cuffed Beanie Cuffed beanie sold at $28.00; all proceeds support the mission.
• Kwek Logo Cap Classic dad hat featuring the Kwek logo, sold at $28.00; all proceeds support the mission.
• Unisex Long Sleeve Tees Long sleeve apparel items sold in the online shop, priced $30.00–$33.00; all proceeds support the mission.
• Moontime Power Native Dancer Tee Unisex v-neck t-shirt featuring Native dancer imagery and moontime messaging, made from 100% combed ring-spun cotton, priced at $25.50–$28.50, made on demand; all proceeds support the mission.
• Moontime Power Berry Shirt Unisex staple t-shirt in heather raspberry color, soft and lightweight with comfortable stretch, priced at $19.50–$29.00, made on demand; all proceeds support the mission.
• End Period Poverty Stickers Bubble-free vinyl stickers featuring "End Period Poverty" messaging, sold at $6.00; all proceeds support the mission.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5.2 million+ period care items distributed since 2018
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Alliance for Period SuppliescoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2020The Kwek Society is an allied member of the Alliance for Period Supplies since early 2020. APS works with Kimberly-Clark and other corporations to expand access to menstrual products. APS facilitates large product donations including 164,280 U by Kotex pads donated through the partnership.
• Kimberly-Clark / U by KotexcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThrough the Alliance for Period Supplies, Kimberly-Clark's U by Kotex brand donates pads for distribution to Indigenous students. A donation of 164,200 pads helped The Kwek Society reach the 5-million-period-supplies-donated milestone.
• PERIOD Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPERIOD. provides educational curriculum including a 5-part youth-friendly workshop on periods, Athletes and Periods curriculum, and resources for school nurses. The Kwek Society shares these resources with partner schools.
• Bras for Girls / Dr. Sarah LeskocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBras for Girls donates sports bras to students The Kwek Society supports. Over 800 sports bras delivered to students across multiple states. Partnership supports the mission that every girl deserves access to sports.
• SaaltsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSaalt donates menstrual cups for distribution to students. The Kwek Society offers cups to students and community members as a reusable alternative to disposable products.
• Glad RagssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerGlad Rags, a Certified Benefit Corporation, donates reusable washable period pads and the 'Passage: A Guide to Periods' book for students. Partnership aligns with providing students product choices.
• Procter & Gamble / AlwayscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAlways brand pads donated by Proctor & Gamble for distribution to students. Students consistently delighted to receive Always products. P&G communications director Louie Morante coordinates donations.
• Be Prepared PeriodsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBe Prepared Period provides discounts on organic period care items for The Kwek Society. Tara at BPP embeds philanthropy through a donation program for menstruators in need and facilitates online donation programs.
• AugustsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerAugust generously delivered truckloads of organic period care to Central Consolidated School District in New Mexico and Crandon School District in Wisconsin in February 2026.
• National Society Daughters of the American RevolutionsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerMultiple DAR chapters (Gen. Peter Gansevoort Chapter NY, and others) donate moon time bags and period products. Kristen Moore and Nicole Richmond coordinated donations of approximately 4,000 bags with in-kind value over $33,000 in 2024.
• American Indians Committee of the DARsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerNicole Richmond serves as New York State Chair. Through DAR networks, members gathered cars full of period care donations and fabric for bags, distributing to students in Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.
• Conscious AlliancesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnected The Kwek Society with Rock the Rez Summer Camps. Conscious Alliance works to expose Indigenous youth to resources and opportunities for positive life paths.
• Forest County Potawatomi CommunitysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerExecutive Council introduced The Kwek Society to the School District of Crandon, in connection with a generous donation supporting nationwide work. Many Potawatomi students attend Crandon schools.
• ANA (Americans for Native Americans)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerANA volunteers sewed and filled 400 moon time bags for students at the School District of Crandon, demonstrating volunteer engagement in the mission.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Sustainable Health Enterprises (SHE): Nonprofit social enterprise addressing menstrual health through locally manufactured pads and education in Rwanda. Comparable to Kwek because it combines a product-distribution model with educational programming for underserved menstruators, though focused internationally.

Others

• Bras for Girls: Nonprofit that donates sports bras to girls in need, including 800+ bras routed through Kwek to Indigenous students. Adjacent peer because it shares Kwek's school-distribution model but addresses a different unmet need (bras vs. period products).
• Saalt: Menstrual cup and period-care brand that donates cups to Kwek and other nonprofits through its 'give' program. Listed as a peer because it sits in the supply chain as a product partner, not a direct competitor, but is materially relevant to understanding Kwek's reusable-product strategy.

Direct peers

• Days for Girls International: Global nonprofit producing and distributing reusable menstrual kits, education, and enterprise programs. Peer because it tackles the same period-poverty problem through product-and-education partnerships with schools and NGOs, though at much larger international scale.
• I Support the Girls: U.S. nonprofit that collects and distributes bras, underwear, and period products to people experiencing homelessness and poverty. Peer because it operates a similar in-kind donation-driven distribution model into schools, shelters, and community partners.
• The Pad Project: Nonprofit born from the Oscar-winning film 'Period. End of Sentence.' that funds pad manufacturing and distribution in underserved communities globally. Comparable to Kwek because both channel grants and product donations to schools and community organizations for period-product access.
• PERIOD Inc. A youth-led nonprofit addressing period poverty through advocacy, education, and product distribution across the U.S. It is a direct peer because Kwek explicitly partners with PERIOD for curriculum resources and shares the same school- and youth-focused mission.
• Be Prepared Period: Period-care retailer that embeds a buy-one-donate-one donation program for menstruators in need. Peer because Kwek is a direct recipient partner, and the underlying model—commercial sales funding donated products—overlaps with Kwek's merchandise program.

Broad incumbents

• Alliance for Period Supplies: U.S. sector-wide coalition of diaper and period supply banks that facilitates large corporate product donations (including Kotex pads routed to Kwek). Peer because it operates in the same period-poverty ecosystem and convenes the organizations Kwek partners with.

Regional players

• Pinkishe Foundation: India-based nonprofit working on menstrual hygiene awareness and product access for rural women and girls. Comparable to Kwek because it pursues a similar school-and-community-based period poverty mission, but operates in a different geography (India vs. U.S. Indigenous communities).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/KwekSociety
• Facebookfacebook.com/KwekSociety
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-kwek-society
• Instagraminstagram.com/thekweksociety

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Kwek Society