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Kuznik Charitable Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.3M
0
Decision Time
3mo
0

Kuznik Charitable Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $250,000 (2024)
  • Number of Grants: 28 awards (2024)
  • Average Grant Size: ~$8,900
  • Geographic Focus: Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties, South Carolina
  • Application Method: Fixed deadline (March 31 annually)
  • Grant Period: July 1 - June 30

Contact Details

Kuznik Charitable Foundation
P.O. Box 13136
Charleston, SC 29422
Phone: 843-324-8749
Email: support@kuznikcharitablefoundation.org
Website: https://www.kuznikcharitablefoundation.org

Overview

Founded in 2015 by Henry Kuznik (1933-2020), the Kuznik Charitable Foundation operates as a private foundation supporting nonprofits in the tri-county Charleston area. Kuznik, a Polish-born entrepreneur who arrived in Charleston in 1959, built a successful career in carpentry, home building, real estate, and recreational vehicle park development. He established KCF to provide ongoing philanthropic assistance after his passing. With an annual giving capacity of approximately $250,000, the foundation made 28 grants in 2024. The foundation's mission is "Building hope and developing resources for our Community," focusing specifically on organizations addressing hunger, health, homelessness, and poverty in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single annual grant cycle:

  • Grant Period: July 1 - June 30
  • Application Opens: September 1
  • Application Closes: March 31
  • Typical Award Size: ~$8,900 (based on 2024 data)

Priority Areas

The foundation provides grants to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations working in three core areas:

  • Food Insecurity Reduction: Programs that address hunger and improve access to nutritious food
  • Healthcare Services: Services for underserved communities with limited access to medical care
  • Educational Progress: Enhancement of primary, secondary, and trade school education

Types of Support

Grant funds may be used for:

  • General operating expenses
  • Program-specific costs
  • Capacity-building initiatives

What They Don't Fund

The foundation explicitly excludes:

  • Capital campaigns
  • Individual assistance or scholarships
  • Political purposes or lobbying activities
  • Ticketed events
  • Programs operating outside Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Officers:

  • Linda Jantzen – President and Director
  • Markus Kastenholz – Vice President and Director
  • Bob Parks – Vice President and Director
  • Keith Stansell – Vice President and Director
  • Lisa Wolff Herbert – Secretary and Director
  • John Hyland – Treasurer and Director

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation uses an online grant application system. Applications must be submitted through their online portal at us.grantrequest.com.

Key Requirements:

  • Must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
  • Must have been operating for at least one year
  • Must serve populations in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties
  • Must address hunger, health, homelessness, or poverty

Application Cycle:

  • Applications open: September 1
  • Application deadline: March 31
  • Grant period: July 1 - June 30

Applicants can either start a new application or continue an in-progress application through the online system.

Decision Timeline

The foundation operates on an annual cycle with applications closing March 31 for the grant period beginning July 1. While specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed, grants are awarded in time for the July 1 start date of the funding period.

Success Rates

With 28 grants awarded in 2024 from a total giving pool of $250,000, the foundation maintains consistent grant-making activity. Specific application numbers and success rates are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation accepts applications annually. Organizations may reapply each grant cycle. There is no indication of restrictions on reapplications from previously unsuccessful or successful applicants.

Application Success Factors

The foundation has clearly articulated what it values in grantee organizations. According to the foundation's own guidance, they seek organizations that are "fiscally responsible, demonstrate a targeted purpose by touching the human spirit through their programs of needed outreach and provide assistance accordingly."

Key factors for success:

  1. Fiscal Responsibility: Demonstrate strong financial management and accountability in your application materials. Show how grant funds will be managed responsibly.

  2. Clearly Targeted Purpose: Articulate a specific, focused mission that directly addresses hunger, health, homelessness, or poverty in the tri-county area. Avoid broad, unfocused proposals.

  3. Human Connection: The foundation values programs that "touch the human spirit." Emphasize the direct human impact of your work and how your organization connects meaningfully with people in need.

  4. Community Outreach: Demonstrate active community engagement and how your programs provide meaningful outreach to underserved populations.

  5. Geographic Alignment: Ensure your programs clearly serve Charleston, Berkeley, or Dorchester counties. Out-of-area activities will not be funded.

  6. Alignment with Core Areas: Frame your work within the foundation's three priority areas: food insecurity, healthcare for underserved communities, or educational advancement.

  7. Operational Track Record: With a requirement for at least one year of operation, emphasize your organization's experience and proven impact in the community.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Simple, focused mission: The foundation was created by an entrepreneur who valued hard work and helping those in need. Keep proposals clear, direct, and focused on concrete community impact.

  • Annual cycle planning: With a March 31 deadline for July 1 funding, plan your application timeline well in advance. The application opens September 1, giving a seven-month window.

  • Modest grant size: With average grants around $8,900, frame requests appropriately. This is best suited for specific program support or operating expenses rather than large capital projects.

  • Geographic restriction is firm: Only programs serving Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties will be considered. Do not apply if your work is outside this area.

  • Values alignment matters: The foundation explicitly seeks organizations that demonstrate fiscal responsibility and touch "the human spirit." Incorporate language about community connection and meaningful impact.

  • Three clear priorities: Structure your application around one of the three core areas: food insecurity, healthcare for underserved populations, or education. Multi-focus applications may be less competitive.

  • Online system only: Ensure you have time to navigate the online application portal at us.grantrequest.com. Start early if you're unfamiliar with the system.

References

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