Support us

The Endowment Fund of the Club of Catholic Intelligentsia operating as the KIK Endowment Fund, is an investment in the long-term  development of the association, its independence, and the strengthening of its social impact.

We strive to think boldly and wisely about the future of KIK. The Endowment Fund is a bold and wise investment in independence - and independence is the key to acting in accordance with our values.

- Jakub Kiersnowski, President of KIK

 

KIK ENDOWMENT FUND CAMPAIGN 2026–2028

The KIK Endowment Fund Campaign  2026–2028 is a three-year, jubilee fundraising initiative. Its goal is to build an endowment fund that ensures long-term stability and financial independence for the Club of Catholic Intelligentsia. The campaign will be carried out  in stages: from a "quiet phase," focused on  the community around KIK , to a "public phase"-  promoted more widely.  The initiative is based on the engagement of both key donors and the wider community of the association, combining one-off donations with commitments to regular annual and monthly support.

KIK Endowment Fund Development Plan

1

ETAP

Stage 1: Securing Institutional Security and Development (2026–2028)

The priority is to secure the operational and administrative stability of KIK. While  the association secures numerous grants for programme purposes, it has limited funding for its core running costs. 
Capital Goal: PLN 10 million.
Campaign Duration: 2026–2028.
Estimated Annual Net Return: PLN 500,000.
The annual net yield is primarily allocated to:
- financing KIK’s current core  activities (approx. 92%);
- fund management and administrative costs (approx. 8%).

2

ETAP

Stage 2: Further Development of the Endowment Fund (from 2029)

After securing stable institutional development, the association will begin creating dedicated  sub-funds within the endowment fund. These will support  key programme areas of KIK and ensure their  long-term continuation.The values, priorities, and detailed objectives of the second stage will be defined after the completion of Stage 1, based on the experience gained from building the Endowment Fund, the developed fundraising capacity, and the strategic needs of the organisation.

Become a Donor to the KIK Endowment Fund

WAYS TO  SUPPORT:

  • Declaration of annual or monthly support.
  • One-off donation.
  • Strategic donations: We invite you to contact Tomasz Piwowarczuk directly.
  • Bequests designated for the endowment fund.
  • In-kind donations (e.g. works of art, real estate), which, once liquidated, will be used to support the Endowment Fund. 

Join us today. [Donate ONLINE] or [Contact us]

KIK ENDOWMENT FUND SUPPORT LEVELS

The campaign for the KIK Endowment Fund enables donors to engage at different levels, depending on the scale of their support.  Each level represents a meaningful  contribution to building the endowment fund and ensuring the long-term stability of KIK’s  activities. Donors at all levels are recognised in an appropriate way - details can be found [at this link]

Support levels are based on the total amount contributed during  the campaign (e.g., a donation of PLN 700 per month for 36 months gives a total of PLN 25,200, which corresponds to the "KIK Endowment Fund Architect" level ).

Campaign levels (2026–2028): 

We are grateful for every donation, regardless of its amount. Only together can we secure KIK’s future for generations to come. 

BANK TRANSFER DETAILS 

Donations can be made  directly to our bank account: 

Account No.: 87 1020 1013 0000 0002 0561 4245 

Transfer Title: Donation for statutory purposes: KIK Endowment Fund

STRATEGIC LEVELS

Those  interested in supporting KIK at strategic levels are invited to contact Tomasz Piwowarczuk, KIK Head of Fundraising.

  • PLN 500,000 – KIK Endowment Fund Benefactor
  • PLN 1,000,000 – Patron of the Club of Catholic Intelligentsia

We invite you to help shape the future of the Endowment Fund. 

NAMED FUNDS

Named funds are a special form of engagement for strategic donors who wish to permanently link their family’s philanthropic tradition with KIK’s mission. This option  is available for donations of at least PLN 250,000.

Each named fund  carries the donor’s surname, or the name of a person they choose to honour (including the possibility of dedicating the fund to a loved one). A named fund: 

  • includes a dedicated webpage;
  • presents the founder’s story and motivation, or a biography of the person honoured; 
  • indicates a specific area of support.

Donors of named funds are included in KIK’s annual list of supporters, even after the end of the Endowment Fund campaign. 

 

"Without an endowment fund, we operate day-to-day. With the KIK Endowment Fund, we can plan decades ahead."

Marcin Żółtek, Treasurer of KIK

KIK ENDOWMENT FUND AMBASSADORS

Ambassadors constitute one of the key pillars of the KIK Endowment Fund campaign. They  are individuals who, through their credibility, networks , and commitment, help build trust  in the association and effectively support the acquisition of donors - both within the KIK community and among external strategic donors.

Ambassadors promote the idea of an endowment fund within their networks , support the fund financially, recommend KIK as a credible philanthropic organisation, and facilitate contact with potential donors. Their involvement may be active (promoting the campaign) or honorary (expressing support through a letter, interview, or short video statement ).

To become a KIK Endowment Fund Ambassador, one must:

  • make any donation to the fund;
  • consent to the use of one's image (biographical note, photograph and/or short video recording- each use to be approved  by the ambassador).

We invite those  interested in the role of ambassador to contact us. [Contact us]

Questions and Answers (FAQ):

What is an endowment fund?

An endowment fund is a permanently invested, professionally managed fund in which the capital remains intact. Only the annual returns  are used to support the organisation’s mission. This ensures financial independence, operational stability, and the ability to plan decades ahead- regardless of current grants or shifting socio-political conditions.

Endowment funds form the financial  backbone of leading institutions worldwide, such as Harvard University, the Stefan Batory Foundation, and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation. The capital is invested across diversified assets- including long-term deposits, bonds, equities, and real estate- to balance strong returns with prudent risk management.

Why is the KIK Endowment Fund being created? 

The Endowment Fund will allow the association to operate fully in line with its stated values . It will make KIK independent of external grants, political fluctuations, or arbitrary decisions of financing entities. As a result, the Club will be able to develop its core activities and shape its work  according to its guiding  principles.

Currently, the association functions mainly thanks to targeted donations (e.g., for humanitarian purposes), grants, membership fees, and income from business activities. Despite successes in acquiring project funds, the organisation struggles with an operational budget deficit. In order to carry out its mission on a sustained basis, KIK requires a stable financial foundation that enables it to focus on the holistic development of individuals  and the community.

An endowment fund is an investment in future generations- a guarantee that the Club’s unique experience will continue for the next 70 years. It is not a luxury, but a wise investment of institutional resilience and durability.

The creation of an endowment fund will enable  KIK to:

  • ensure independence and financial security;
  • carry out long-term programme goals, avoiding dependence on short-term grant competitions;
  • finance core  operational-administrative activities (not covered by grants);
  • plan the organisation’s long-term development over decades 

How is the KIK Endowment Fund managed?

The Fund is managed in accordance with the highest standards of transparency and responsibility:

  • Reporting transparency : publication of the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flows.
  • Regular reporting : providing reports to donors and members of the association.
  • Audit: annual control conducted by an independent certified auditor.
  • Investment policy: a document adopted by the Board, specifying permissible financial instruments and the permissible level of risk.
  • Investment Committee: an expert advisory body operating alongside the Board.

How does the Investment Committee function? 

The Investment Committee is an advisory body responsible for safeguarding the Fund’s assets. Its responsibilities include: 

  • monitoring investment decisions;
  • controlling the compliance of fund expenditure with the fund’s objectives and KIK’s mission;
  • recommending best practices in asset management.

Will the funds be invested in high-risk assets? 

No. The principles for managing an endowment fund are conservative. The priority is capital preservation. Funds  will be invested in secure financial instruments , in accordance with practices used by prestigious charitable and  social organisations in Poland and worldwide.

Is KIK not already a "wealthy " institution? 

This is a misconception . KIK does not hold significant  financial reserves. Owning its own headquarters and successes in acquiring grants do not mean full operational security. In reality, the association must often strive for funds for its day-to-day functioning, as targeted grants serve exclusively the implementation of specific projects and do not cover the organisation's core running  costs. An endowment fund will eliminate the need for ad-hoc supplementation of budget deficits.

How can one contribute to  building the endowment fund?

  • through one-off donations;
  • through regular  (monthly) donations;
  • through a declaration of an annual donation (for a period of 3 years);
  • through a testamentary bequest or the transfer of assets;
  • through serving as a campaign ambassador (encouraging others to support the Fund).

How do we recognise our donors?

We have developed a structured system of donor recognition (including commemorative plaques, mentions in publications, and special events), so that every donor- regardless of the amount contributed- becomes a part of this shared investment.   A full overview of recognition across all support levels can be found  [at this link]. 

 

Reports of the KIK Endowment Fund

Annual reports of the KIK Endowment Fund will be published here. The first report  is planned for January 2027.

 

List of Donors

Patrons of the Club of Catholic Intelligentsia The list is updated once a month.

Benefactors of the KIK Endowment Fund The list is updated once a month.

Patrons of the KIK Endowment Fund The list is updated once a month.

Visionaries of the KIK Endowment Fund The list is updated once a month.

Investors of the KIK Endowment Fund The list is updated once a month.

Architects of the KIK Endowment Fund The list is updated once a month.

Builders of the KIK Endowment Fund The list is updated once a month.

Allies of the KIK Endowment Fund The list is updated once a month.

Good Spirits of the KIK Endowment Fund The list is updated once a month.

Friends of the KIK Endowment Fund The list is updated once a month.

Donors to the KIK Endowment Fund The list is updated once a month.

Ambassadors:

Z całego serca dziękujemy wszystkim Darczyńcom za zaufanie i hojność. Dzięki Wam możemy realizować naszą misję i rozwijać ważne projekty. Twoje wsparcie ma realne znaczenie. Dołącz do grona darczyńców!

  • Justyna Duriasz-Bułhak
    I believe that not only those who identify with the Catholic Church in Poland, but all those who believe that the power of civic engagement makes the lives of us all better, and Polish society more cohesive and resilient to crises, may see value...
  • Piotr Cywiński
    The Warsaw KIK is a multi-generational social reality that has firmly inscribed itself in the history of Poland. The values on which this environment has always leaned have yielded and continue to yield enormous fruit in difficult topics, in...
  • MF
    Małgorzata Frymus
    By participating in the activities of the Family Section of the Warsaw KIK, our children found an environment there based on truth, honesty, solidarity, and other values that are not easy to find in today's world. Furthermore, KIK has always...
  • MW
    Maria Wiśniewska
    The Club of Catholic Intelligentsia combines the best features of an organisation working for the common good- the good of us all. It possesses a sensitive hearing, thanks to which it captures even the weakest signals from those in need and...
  • S
    Stefan - a long-standing member of KIK:
    The KIK Endowment Fund is to serve future generations raised by KIK and the broad environment of beneficiaries of its activity. I decided to support this Fund because I deeply believe in the mission and values that stand behind the Club....
  • PK
    Paweł Kastory
    My adventure with KIK began in the 1970s. My Father became the Director of KIK and Uncle Ludwik, the educator of a multi-generational/multi-year group known today as the Wigry group. My teenage and first adult years were hundreds of meetings,...
  • Marcin Święcicki
    KIK does only good things for others, not for itself, and furthermore, it raises youth for selfless action for the common good. I like this and that is why I support the KIK Endowment Fund."

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Justyna Duriasz-Bułhak
I believe that not only those who identify with the Catholic Church in Poland, but all those who believe that the power of civic engagement makes the lives of us all better, and Polish society more cohesive and resilient to crises, may see value in ensuring  that KIK should have solid foundations for functioning in the future and could continue to play a positive role in the development of our country. With deep conviction, I have supported the Endowment Fund currently being established. And I sincerely encourage others to do the same.

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Piotr Cywiński
The Warsaw KIK is a multi-generational social reality that has firmly inscribed itself in the history of Poland. The values on which this environment has always leaned have yielded and continue to yield enormous fruit in difficult topics, in which there were not always many other environments ready to involve themselves strongly. When I began working on the Endowment Fund to save Auschwitz-Birkenau, my only fundraising experience was the earlier collection of one million zlotys to purchase the Club's headquarters. Today, when that huge fund effectively saves the remains of Auschwitz  , I would like to return with a wealth of experience and support KIK in building its own endowment. After all, this environment is my 'small homeland'. And I would not want to imagine Poland without the people of KIK."

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MF
Małgorzata Frymus
By participating in the activities of the Family Section of the Warsaw KIK, our children found an environment there based on truth, honesty, solidarity, and other values that are not easy to find in today's world. Furthermore, KIK has always strived for dialogue, ecumenism, and the openness of the Church. We ourselves met people there shaping their life path according to the words 'it is worth being decent'. To paraphrase, we therefore believe that it is worth supporting KIK!

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MW
Maria Wiśniewska
The Club of Catholic Intelligentsia combines the best features of an organisation working for the common good- the good of us all. It possesses a sensitive hearing, thanks to which it captures even the weakest signals from those in need and recognises important social matters. A sharp vision allows  it to boldly step forward where there are difficult and often unpopular problems. An instinctive sense of smell, enabling it to undertake and effectively solve complicated and non-obvious topics. It has developed within itself a 'power of taste', thanks to which it distinguishes good from evil, has the power of attraction and connection, and also of building a multi-generational community. Throughout 70 years of its activity, these senses and the wisdom of its members have not failed KIK, and the initiative to establish the Endowment Fund is proof that it is still using them, responding to the challenges of the present with future generations in mind. The Endowment Fund is a good investment.

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S
Stefan - a long-standing member of KIK:
The KIK Endowment Fund is to serve future generations raised by KIK and the broad environment of beneficiaries of its activity. I decided to support this Fund because I deeply believe in the mission and values that stand behind the Club. More down-to-earth and practically, the Club gave me an invaluable group of friends, developed my skills in teamwork, cooperation, and managing people. It taught me perseverance and the joy of acting together. Activity in the sections: Family, Drum Bun, and Santa Maria brought me unforgettable adventures, memories and... opportunities to meet the love of my life :) Now they create equally good opportunities for my children, and in the future- I hope- for my grandchildren. There is nothing more precious than the happiness of one's offspring, and KIK significantly increases the chance for it! Which is what I wish for myself and everyone supporting the KIK Endowment Fund.

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PK
Paweł Kastory
My adventure with KIK began in the 1970s. My Father became the Director of KIK and Uncle Ludwik, the educator of a multi-generational/multi-year group known today as the Wigry group. My teenage and first adult years were hundreds of meetings, trips, voyages, sailing camps, and adventures in a group of people associated with KIK. Kasia and I were already staff at Wigry, and we sent our sons to the camps. Now our first grandson, Antoni, has been signed up for the group. Many members of our family were associated with Kopernika Street in various ways and are now with Freta Street. I cannot imagine that this world could one day disappear due to a lack of money

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Marcin Święcicki
KIK does only good things for others, not for itself, and furthermore, it raises youth for selfless action for the common good. I like this and that is why I support the KIK Endowment Fund."