Leave Your Legacy
Join the Mizwa Society
Named in honor of Stephen Mizwa, the visionary founder of the Kosciuszko Foundation, the Mizwa Society recognizes individuals who have made a planned or legacy gift to help ensure that the Foundation’s mission continues for generations to come.
Continuing Mizwa’s Vision
More than a century ago, Stephen Mizwa created an institution dedicated to advancing education, promoting Polish culture, and strengthening the bonds between Poland and the United States. Today, Mizwa Society members carry that vision forward.
Leave a Lasting Legacy
A legacy gift can take many forms, including a bequest in a will, a retirement plan or life insurance beneficiary designation, a charitable trust, or another planned gift arrangement.
These gifts strengthen the Foundation’s endowment and long-term future, helping expand opportunities for students, scholars, artists, and cultural leaders while supporting cultural initiatives and exchange between Poland and the United States. By including the Kosciuszko Foundation in your estate plans, you can help ensure its mission continues for generations to come.
The Benefits of Mizwa Society Membership
Mizwa Society members are recognized for their commitment to the Foundation’s future and become part of a community of supporters who share a long-term vision.
Members receive:
- Invitations to special gatherings, including luncheons, salons, and conversations with Foundation leadership.
- Opportunities to engage with Foundation leaders and learn about its long-term vision and priorities.
- Recognition through a commemorative piece celebrating the Foundation’s heritage and mission.
The opportunity to share their personal philanthropy stories through Foundation publications and digital platforms, inspiring future generations of supporters.
Depending on the type of gift and your individual circumstances, planned giving may also offer financial or tax benefits.
“We are committed to the Foundation’s mission and vision and trust that our gift will enable students to have the life-changing opportunities we have experienced through higher education!”
– Henry Sikorski, Ph.D.
KF Trustee
Chairman of the Development Committee
Executive Committee Member
There are several ways to leave your legacy with the Kosciuszko Foundation:
Gift Of Securities
Appreciated securities (securities that have increased in value since you bought them) are common assets that individuals donate to charities. This method of giving has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Donating appreciated stocks or mutual funds held for over a year allows you to avoid capital gains tax while receiving a charitable deduction for the full fair market value.
Retirement Accounts
Retirement plans have proven to be a very popular way to help secure one’s financial future and that of loved ones. But did you know that retirement accounts might also be an attractive and tax-favored charitable giving option?
Gifts of Real Estate
Donating real estate – residential, commercial, or land – can significantly support the Foundation while offering tax and estate planning benefits and relieving you of property upkeep and taxes. Contributions of real property represent one of the most complicated yet rewarding opportunities in charitable giving.
Gift of Life Insurance
Designating the Kosciuszko Foundation as the beneficiary of an existing or new life insurance policy can result in a powerful gift at relatively low cost.
The greatest advantage of a gift of life insurance is that you as the insured can make a considerably larger gift to charity by using life insurance than by giving any other assets.
Charitable Trusts
Charitable trusts are presently among most popular instruments of charitable giving. According to IRS in 2011 charitable entities received over $3 billion from charitable trusts.
Establishing a charitable trust can provide income to you or your loved ones during your lifetime, with the remainder benefiting the Foundation. These arrangements require legal and financial planning but can yield significant benefits for all involved.
Establishing a Named Scholarship
Create a lasting legacy as a Polish-American by establishing a Kosciuszko Foundation scholarship in your name or in honor of someone you love.
A named scholarship is one of the most powerful ways to celebrate your heritage, honor a meaningful life, and invest in the future. By supporting students in a specific or general field of study, your tribute can open doors for generations of Polish and American scholars, turning your values and connection to Polish-American heritage into opportunities that endure.
