In 1940, one year after Kiwanians established the Kiwanis International Foundation as a legal entity, Walter Zeller made the first donation: 25 silver dollars that he hoped would turn into the foundation’s nest egg.This donor’s dream came true: Auctioned for US$625, those coins launched the Kiwanis International Foundation’s worldwide service efforts.
Thousands of donors later, the foundation has grown into a multimillion-dollar organization that awards grants to Kiwanis clubs and underwrites life-altering worldwide service projects.
Today, as powerful forces are reshaping the landscape of children’s issues, we are turning confidently to generous Kiwanians around the world to find the resources required to meet these historic challenges.
Our mission
and core values
Mission
The mission of the Kiwanis International Foundation is to financially assist Kiwanis International in serving the children of the world.
Core values
Stewardship
We are committed to living up to donors’ confidence in the foundation to invest their contributions wisely and distribute them in keeping with the values inherent in the Kiwanis International mission.
Transparency
We adhere to the Donors’ Bill of Rights, to treat all constituents fairly and ethically, and to be above board in all of our dealings. We share records and reports documenting gifts, grants and who we serve.
Responsiveness
We are relevant and proactive in meeting donors’ and grantees’ needs.
Legacy
We give donors the chance to leave a lasting mark on the world.
Integrity
We deal honestly in our interactions with all stakeholders.
Trust
Through the integrity of our actions, we seek to earn and maintain the trust of our Kiwanis family and constituents.
What we do
Kiwanis is all about helping children
At the Kiwanis International Foundation, our raison d’être is helping children. Children at risk. Underserved children. The children who need help most.
Working together with Kiwanis International, we serve the children of the world, supporting the Kiwanis International mission. The lion’s share of our work happens at the club level, as Kiwanis members raise funds to underwrite foundation grants and improve their communities and the world.
We give youth scholarships. We support Kiwanis International’s Service Leadership Programs for youth. Our new global campaign for children, announced in June 2010, will take this spirit of giving to a new, more consequential level.
How to help
Children served by Kiwanis International Foundation grantThe Kiwanis International Foundation is a not-for-profit organization supported solely by voluntary contributions from Kiwanians and friends of the foundation who want to help shape a better future for all the world’s children. Gifts of all sizes are meaningful and deeply appreciated. You can support the foundation directly or through a Kiwanis Club like the Kiwanis Club of Orleans.