What The Principle Foundation Inc does

The Principle Foundation Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1958 and headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, that provides financial grants and support services to practicing Christian Scientists in need of care. Its core activity is grantmaking: the foundation administers six grant programs covering needs such as Christian Science nursing care, in-home care, nursing facility care, and prison ministry assistance, supported by a network of 23 volunteer Local Committees operating across 24 states. Beyond direct grants, the foundation operates information programs (RiperYears.org and a Call Center) under the Caring for Christian Scientists initiative and sponsors two externally delivered community programs, Embraced:Fully and Communities of Christian Caring, extending its reach into community-based support.

The foundation also funds the National Fund for Christian Science Nursing (NFCSN) and the International Fund for Christian Science Nursing (IFCSN), the latter extending grant-funded nursing support into Canada and Europe with stated plans for further international expansion. Its operating technology stack consists of Zoho, Okta, and Joget — standard SaaS tools for CRM, identity, and low-code workflow — with no disclosed proprietary platform or AI components. Per its 2022 IRS 990, 92% of expenditures went to program services and 8% to administration; the foundation reports no endowment.

The organization's business model is charitable fundraising followed by grant pass-through: it raises contributions from individuals and channels roughly nine-tenths of funds directly to beneficiaries and partner programs, with a small staff of 11–50 employees coordinating the committee network, application processing, and information services. Customer (beneficiary) segments are distributed across individual Christian Scientists with care needs, while the donor side is unspecified but typical of small faith-based charities.

Name

The Principle Foundation Inc

Legal name

The Principle Foundation

Website

https://principlefoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1958

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Principle Foundation Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1958 and based in Overland Park, Kansas, that provides financial grants and information services to Christian Scientists needing nursing or in-home care, supported by 23 volunteer Local Committees across 24 states and international funds extending into Canada and Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Faith-Based Nonprofit Grant Programs

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Other Grantmaking and Giving Services (813219)

akta.pro primary industry

Grantmaking & Philanthropic Funds (Institutional Donors) (BPADAOAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB), International Grantmaking & Development Foundations (BPAGAKAH)

Keywords

• Charitable grant programs
• Financial assistance funds
• Religious nonprofit services
• Benevolence foundation
• Disaster relief grants

Headquarters

HQ city

Overland Park

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: The Principle Foundation is funded primarily through contributions from Christian Scientists who want to help fellow Christian Scientists. Both individuals and Christian Science organizations donate. Donations come via credit/debit card (one-time or recurring monthly), ACH transfers, check, stock, and estate/trust bequests. The organization does not have an endowment and relies on ongoing charitable giving.
2. General Fund Donations: Unless otherwise designated, contributions go to the General Fund which provides short-term grants to individual Christian Scientists and supports the Foundation's ongoing operations. The General Fund is the primary vehicle for discretionary giving.
3. Designated Fund Donations: Donors may contribute to specific funds: Disaster Relief Fund, National Fund for Christian Science Nursing (NFCSN), Christian Science Nurse Gratitude Fund, Local Committees, and other established funds. Estate and trust gifts may be designated.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Principle Foundation provides short-term, one-time financial grants to practicing Christian Scientists in the United States who face temporary financial hardship, covering basic living expenses, practitioner fees, nursing care costs, disaster recovery, pregnancy/adoption expenses, and support for incarcerated and retired Christian Science nurses. Grants are processed by a national office and a volunteer Local Committee network, alongside two free information services (RiperYears.org and The Call Center) that help Christian Scientists navigate practical needs.

Product overview

The Principle Foundation is a non-profit organization (501(c)(3)) that provides financial assistance and support services to Christian Scientists. Its offerings include six grant funds (The General Fund, Disaster Relief, Pregnancy and Adoption, National Fund for Christian Science Nursing, International Fund for Christian Science Nursing, and Christian Science Nurse Gratitude Fund), plus Prison Ministry Assistance. These are supported by a network of 23 volunteer Local Committees serving 24 states. The organization also operates two information programs — RiperYears.org (a senior-focused resource website) and The Call Center (a phone-based information service) — under the 'Caring for Christian Scientists' initiative. Additionally, it provides administrative sponsorship to Embraced:Fully (prison ministry) and Communities of Christian Caring.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Caring for Christian Scientists: An information service providing resources to help meet practical needs of Christian Scientists, available online and over the phone.
• RiperYears.org
• The Call Center

Products and services

• The General Fund Short-term, one-time financial grants to individual Christian Scientists in the US who have a financial need based on income and assets, supporting essential needs such as food, rent, utilities, emergencies, and Christian Science practitioner fees.
• Disaster Relief Fund Grants to practicing Christian Scientists in the US impacted by natural disasters such as fires, floods, tornadoes, or extreme weather, covering immediate needs, temporary lodging, gas, food, clothing, structural repairs, insurance deductibles, vehicle replacement, and short-term lost income compensation.
• Pregnancy and Adoption Program Financial support for non-medical pregnancy and adoption expenses for sincere Christian Scientists in the US, including Christian Science practitioner and nurse fees, nurse visits, travel costs, agency fees, and court costs.
• National Fund for Christian Science Nursing (NFCSN) Grants administered by The Principle Foundation for US-based Christian Scientists who are actively working to demonstrate healing through Christian Science, are receiving Christian Science nursing care at a facility or at home, and cannot pay the full cost of that care.
• International Fund for Christian Science Nursing (IFCSN) Financial support administered by The Principle Foundation for individuals in Canada and Europe who have chosen the care of a Christian Science nurse and, based on their income and assets, need financial assistance to cover the cost of that care.
• Christian Science Nurse Gratitude Fund Monthly financial grants recognizing Journal-listed Christian Science nurses who are at least 65 years old, members of The Mother Church, US residents, have a financial need, and have been listed in The Christian Science Journal for at least 10 years.
• Prison Ministry Assistance Program supporting the study and practice of Christian Science for individuals incarcerated in US prisons and those recently released, providing Christian Science publications, basic personal items for inmates, and reentry assistance after prison release.
• Local Committees A nationwide network of 23 volunteer Local Committees serving 24 states that review and authorize grant requests from Christian Scientists in their region through prayer and spiritual discernment, with each committee handling approximately 5 to 7 requests per year.
• RiperYears.org Free self-service information website focused on the needs of senior Christian Scientists, covering housing options, Christian Science care, help at home, Medicare, finances, and advance directives, with spiritual insights and articles.
• The Call Center Free phone-based information service (800-930-3797) providing confidential one-to-one help for Christian Scientists seeking practical assistance on topics including housing, Christian Science care, help at home, Medicare, and finances, with response typically within 24 hours.
• Embraced:Fully Sponsored program that supports prison and reentry ministry efforts in the Christian Science community, working with State Institutional Committees, volunteer chaplains, and local church Angel Team groups, with The Principle Foundation acting as fiscal sponsor.
• Communities of Christian Caring Sponsored program providing resources on ways to pray and find help to meet the simple needs of others, working with church communities on how to support those involved with caring and engage others in the care effort, with The Principle Foundation providing administrative services.

Quantifiable outcome

• 92% of funds directly related to program expenses (2022)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles9 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, key and minor.

• The Mother Church (First Church of Christ, Scientist)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Principle Foundation is not an organ of The Mother Church and is not directly affiliated, but partners with The Mother Church in certain cases to help individuals in need. The Mother Church may also provide disaster relief assistance for branch churches and societies (contact: [email protected]). The organization requires committee members to be members of The Mother Church and active in branch churches.
• National Fund for Christian Science Nursing (NFCSN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNFCSN is administered by The Principle Foundation. NFCSN provides grants to Christian Scientists in the US who are receiving Christian Science nursing care and cannot afford the full cost. TPF handles all administrative and granting functions for this sister program.
• International Fund for Christian Science Nursing (IFCSN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIFCSN is administered by The Principle Foundation. IFCSN provides financial support to individuals who have chosen Christian Science nursing care and need assistance with costs. Currently accepts applications from Canada and Europe, with plans to expand.
• Embraced:FullykeyImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTPF is the fiscal sponsor for Embraced:Fully, providing administrative and accounting support. Embraced:Fully supports prison and reentry ministry efforts in the Christian Science community, working with State Institutional Committees, volunteer chaplains, and local church 'Angel Team' groups. TPF also partners with Embraced:Fully to help recently released Christian Scientists.
• Communities of Christian CaringkeyImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTPF provides administrative services for Communities of Christian Caring, a program that provides resources on ways to pray and where to find help to meet simple needs of others. Works with church communities on how to support those involved with caring and ways to engage others in the care effort.
• State Institutional CommitteeskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerTPF partners with State Institutional Committees to support the needs of prisoners who are practicing Christian Scientists. These committees work with Christian Science volunteer chaplains and local church groups to provide support during incarceration and reentry.
• Christian Science Volunteer ChaplainskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteer chaplains work with incarcerated Christian Scientists and partner with TPF and State Institutional Committees. They provide spiritual support and help connect inmates with Christian Science resources and the Prison Ministry Assistance program.
• Local Churches and SocietiesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMany churches and societies contribute to the General Fund, Disaster Relief Fund, or to Local Committees serving their regions. Some churches have set up automatic recurring donations. Local Committees work with churches on announcements and event coordination.
• Affinity Nonprofit RegistrationminorOthersThe organization maintains compliance in multiple states through Afinity Nonprofit Registration, allowing it to legally solicit donations across state lines.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation: Provides faith-based financial assistance, planned giving, and benevolence support to Presbyterian congregations and members. Comparable to TPF as a faith-affiliated grantmaking organization.
• Salvation Army: Provides emergency financial assistance, disaster relief, and community services with a faith-based mission. Comparable to TPF in delivering short-term, needs-based grants to individuals in crisis.
• Catholic Charities USA: One of the largest faith-based social service networks in the U.S., providing financial assistance, disaster relief, and community support to Catholics and others. Comparable to TPF as a large-scale faith-based benevolence grantmaker.
• American Baptist Churches USA - National Ministries: Provides benevolence, mission support, and community services to American Baptist constituents. Comparable as a faith-based intermediary channeling donations to individuals in need.
• The Mother Church (First Church of Christ, Scientist): The central institution of the Christian Science movement and a primary partner of TPF. Although TPF is independent, the Mother Church operates benevolence programs for branch churches and societies and shares the same faith-based constituency.
• United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR): The global humanitarian aid and relief arm of the United Methodist Church, providing disaster response and financial assistance. Comparable to TPF in faith-based disaster relief and benevolence granting.
• Knights of Columbus Charities: Faith-based Catholic fraternal organization providing charitable grants, disaster relief, and community support. Comparable to TPF in delivering faith-aligned benevolence grants through a volunteer network.
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Foundation: Administers fast-offering financial assistance and other benevolence programs for members of the LDS Church. Comparable as a faith-based organization providing short-term grants to members in need.
• Jewish Federations of North America: Federated system of community foundations providing social services, financial assistance, and disaster response to the Jewish community. Comparable as a faith-based, community-driven grantmaking network.

Others

• Christian Science Publishing Society: Publishes The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Journal, and Christian Science Sentinel. Operates within the same faith community as TPF and serves overlapping Christian Science audiences with mission-aligned services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@theprinciplefoundation585/videos

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about The Principle Foundation Inc