Program Funding

Foundation Funding

The Kvinnelig Foundation is funded solely by the Polich family. The Foundation does not solicit nor accept donations from other sources. The assets of the Foundation are managed by the Chief Financial Officer with oversight by the Board of Directors. The Foundation is committed to allocating at least 5% of its fund balance each year to support our areas of focus and meet all IRS requirements for the use of these funds.

Program Funding

Our approach to program funding varies by area of focus.

To support women in the performing arts, Kvinnelig Foundation functions both as an operating foundation and a giving foundation. Our work as an operating foundation in this area is described on our Performing Arts Area of Focus page. We will also provide grants to 501(c)(3) organizations which share our area of focus.
To sustain Mother Earth, Kvinnelig Foundation will provide grants to 501(c)(3) organizations which share our area of focus.
To support Maternal Mental Health, Kvinnelig Foundation will provide grants to 501(c)(3) organizations which share our area of focus.

Organizations receiving grants from the Foundation will be listed on this website, including the amount provided and the nature of the work funded.

Grantmaking Process

Our process for providing grants to 501(c)(3) organizations which share our areas of focus includes two potential pathways.

Quiet Research:

Our Board of Directors will conduct quiet research to identify organizations which share our areas of focus and family philanthropic priorities. These organizations are evaluated using careful analysis of criteria for indicators of high potential for sustained positive impact in the area of focus. The criteria include stable finances, strong and stable governance, multi-year tracks records, measurement and evidence of outcomes, and experienced leadership. This work will be done as privately and anonymously as we can in order to limit burden on these organizations and avoid diverting them from their work. By necessity, this open-ended approach requires that all of the Foundation's grantmaking must be done on a strictly invitational basis.

Open Call:

Periodically, the Foundation may implement an open call for grant proposals focused on one or more of our funding priorities. These open calls will include an online application and publicly posted criteria for eligibility and selection. Such criteria will be similar to that used in our "quiet research" approach to funding. We will analyze and evaluate financial stability, governance and leadership, track record, evidence of outcomes, and robust grant oversight and reporting.

Grant Oversight and Reporting

Kvinnelig Foundation requires regular reporting on the use of funds and outcomes achieved from organizations receiving grants. The timing of this reporting will depend on the amount of the grant, expected outcomes, and timeframe of the grant. At a minimum, the organization will be required to provide a written report to the Foundation at the conclusion of the grant period outlining the use of funds and outcomes achieved. Some grants may require quarterly reports and on-site reviews of activities. The level of oversight and reporting will be determined and agreed to prior to the granting and release of funds.