2025 Year in Review: Support Our Year-End Campaign for a Stronger Future Together
As we come to the close of the year, we reflect on its pivotal moments and the impact the Kosciuszko Foundation has made together with you, our donors, members, and friends. The year 2025 marked our Centennial. Look back at our shared achievements and support Kosciuszko Foundation to create a new century of opportunities for scholars, students, and artists.
Your contribution will advance our mission and may also provide valuable tax benefits. As a gesture of our appreciation, donors and members of $60 or more will receive a special gift – the KF 2026 calendar.
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Why Support Kosciuszko Foundation: 2025 Impact Highlights
JANUARY
The Kosciuszko Foundation received the Skalny Civic Achievement Award from the Polish American Historical Association (PAHA) in recognition of its long-standing role in promoting the Polish experience in America.
In the same month, President and Executive Director Marek Skulimowski was appointed by Poland’s Minister of Culture and National Heritage, Hanna Wróblewska, to the Executive Board of the National Library of Poland (Biblioteka Narodowa), underscoring the Foundation’s continued leadership and influence in cultural and intellectual life.
MARCH
The KF successfully completed the Smithsonian Initiative, supporting 40 institutions in safeguarding cultural heritage in Ukraine. In Washington, the second edition of the KF DC Film Fest brought nearly 1,000 filmgoers together to experience contemporary Polish cinema. In New York City, The Real Within exhibition honored Poland’s artistic legacy and presented a new generation of contemporary Polish painters.
APRIL
A historic moment with our “Ball of the Century”. The evening celebrated 100 years of our impact, highlighted by the presentation of the KF Medal of Recognition to distinguished, long-serving trustees whose dedication has shaped the Foundation’s legacy.
MAY
We established a partnership with the University of Rzeszów, marking an important step in strengthening collaboration between the United States and Poland. The agreement has created a framework for joint research projects, academic exchange programs, scholarships, and cultural initiatives.
JUNE
Twenty-nine outstanding Polish scholars were awarded grants during a ceremony at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence in Warsaw as part of the Kosciuszko Foundation Exchange to the U.S. Program. With over $500,000 in funding, these fellows continue a proud tradition conducting advanced research and academic work at leading U.S. universities.
OCTOBER
The Kosciuszko Foundation received several of Poland’s highest honors during the Centennial Gala in Warsaw. Chairman of the Board of Trustees Alex Storozynski was awarded the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, while the Foundation received the Senate Medal and the Gold Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis. Jagiellonian University also presented the Silver Medal “Plus ratio quam vis” to recognize the Foundation’s dedication to fostering scientific ties between the U.S. and Poland.
We also marked a new chapter by formalizing a partnership with Poznań University of Medical Sciences during the university’s academic year inauguration. The agreement strengthened Polish-American academic collaboration and was celebrated with the awarding of KF scholarships to six U.S. students, who began their studies in the English-language Medicine Program at PUMS.
NOVEMBER
The release of our Annual Newsletter magazine, highlighting our impact on education and culture through the experiences and achievements of our scholars and students. The issue featured stories from notable fellows, including artist Marianna Stuhr, Prof. Antoni Zbigniew Kruszewski, and Dr. Emil Chroboczek, offering a personal and insightful view into their academic and cultural journeys.
DECEMBER
In December, the Kosciuszko Foundation in Washington, D.C., held its Centennial Celebration & Awards Ceremony. During the evening, KF Trustee Dr. Marek M. Pienkowski received the 2025 Pioneer Award and recognized local leaders with the 2025 KF Appreciation Awards. The festivities concluded with a Christmas party for our most engaged supporters, celebrating the Foundation’s birthday on December 21.
We hope you find these highlights inspiring and meaningful, and that you will support our upcoming work.
Thank you for your generosity. None of this would have been possible without you!
