Partners Fund Launching 2026

The Patricia Kind Family Foundation (PKFF) is launching the Partners Fund, a new initiative designed to amplify philanthropic impact across Philadelphia. Through this fund, PKFF seeks to collaborate with other contributors to significantly expand support for historically marginalized communities. The Partners Fund represents a model for concentrated and aligned cross-sector giving—one that pools resources from multiple foundations, businesses, financial institutions, and individual donors.


By combining financial and non-financial support, the Partners Fund will direct resources toward nonprofit organizations (NPOs) that have less access to traditional funding networks but are doing exceptional work in their communities. These organizations operate in critical fields such as Education, Youth Development, Mental and Physical Health, Human Services, and Community Building. PKFF’s goal is to leverage its expertise, relationships, and credibility within the philanthropic ecosystem to help these NPOs operate more efficiently, expand their reach, and strengthen their long-term sustainability.

Philadelphia faces persistent economic inequities. The city continues to hold the highest poverty rate of any major U.S. city, with roughly 20% of its population living at or below the federal poverty level. The majority of those most affected are people of color.


Within this context, the region is home to approximately 2,300 nonprofit organizations, each providing essential services across sectors. Yet many of the smaller nonprofits—especially those with annual budgets under $1 million—struggle to access funding from the established philanthropic community. These organizations are often led by individuals from historically marginalized backgrounds and operate without the social capital needed to build relationships with large funders.

 

As public funding becomes increasingly uncertain, these organizations face heightened challenges in maintaining stability. The philanthropic private sector therefore plays a crucial role in ensuring sustained, long-term investment and partnership with these community-based organizations.

Since its founding in 1996, the Patricia Kind Family Foundation has focused its grantmaking on supporting historically marginalized communities throughout the Philadelphia region. PKFF is widely recognized for its deep community relationships, hands-on approach, and commitment to general operating and multi-year funding.


To date, PKFF has awarded over $63 million in more than 4,100 grants to nonprofit organizations across Greater Philadelphia. These grants have supported smaller, grassroots organizations that deliver direct, essential services in their neighborhoods. PKFF’s reputation as a thoughtful and engaged funder has positioned it as a leader in the region’s philanthropic landscape.


Beyond financial support, PKFF has built enduring partnerships with its grantees—relationships that often take years to develop and are essential for meaningful, long-term impact. Many of these nonprofits have expanded their programs and funding bases thanks to PKFF’s introductions to new funders and strategic guidance.


In 2023, PKFF piloted a successful collaboration with The William Penn Foundation, awarding more than 30 capacity-building grants. This partnership demonstrated that collective philanthropy leads to more effective, systemic change. PKFF has since complemented its direct grant-making with programming designed to strengthen the organizational health and capacity of its grantees.

PKFF will establish a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) to serve as the foundation of the Partners Fund. PKFF will provide the anchor funds and match contributions from other donors—up to $500,000. The Fund will invite individuals, businesses, and foundations to commit resources to a shared giving vehicle that offers the advantages of contributing to a public charity.

This structure allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in philanthropic giving. Donors benefit from simplified reporting, optional anonymity, and favorable tax treatment—private foundation contributions count toward annual distribution requirements, and individuals and corporations may qualify for enhanced deductions.

The National Philanthropic Trust (NPT) will administer the DAF, while Glenmede Trust Company will manage investments. PKFF will oversee the Partners Fund’s grantmaking process, applying its decades of experience and strong relationships within Philadelphia’s nonprofit sector to ensure strategic, impactful distribution of funds.

At the outset, PKFF’s Board Managing Trustee will serve as the Donor Advisor for the DAF. In addition, PKFF will convene an Advisory Committee composed of contributors, nonprofit leaders, and other key stakeholders to provide input and guidance.


During this initial phase, PKFF will take responsibility for recruiting funders and establishing the Advisory Committee. The initial fundraising goal is $3 million, with financial commitments to be secured by January 2026.


The first round of grant awards will be made in the summer of 2026, following an application cycle opening in early 2026. During the pilot period, PKFF will provide its grant-making and administrative services to the Fund at no cost, ensuring a strong foundation for future growth.


Through the Partners Fund, PKFF pledges to match contributions up to $500,000, signaling its deep commitment to building a collaborative philanthropic model that advances equity and opportunity across Philadelphia.