The Kosciuszko Foundation and ACPC Affirm Their Solidarity On Behalf of Polish-American Interests in Washington, D.C.

The Center was first conceived at the annual convention of the ACPC held in 1985 to serve as a national Polish-American cultural center in the nation's capital. It was subsequently established in 1988 by the ACPC as a separate non-profit organization and in 1991 acquired its current property -- including a historic townhouse in the Dupont Circle area of the nation's capital, as well as pieces of artwork and other items of Polish and Polish-American cultural significance -- with the help of the ACPC's fundraising efforts.
 
As of January 2010, the Kosciuszko Foundation acquired the Center, which is now operated as the foundation's Washington, D.C. office. The Kosciuszko Foundation, a non-profit established in 1925, promotes educational and cultural exchanges between Poland and United States and awards up to one million dollars annually in scholarships to Poles and Polish Americans.
 
The ACPC is a national non-profit, charitable, cultural and educational organization that serves as a network and body of national leadership among affiliated Polish-American cultural organizations throughout the United States. Founded in 1948, the Council represents the interests of some 21 affiliated organizations in 15 states and the District of Columbia. Commenting on this important development, ACPC President Debbie Majka said, "The Kosciuszko Foundation's absorption of the Center will hopefully ensure its long-term financial viability."
 
Kosciuszko Foundation President and Executive Director Alex Storozynski, said, "Towards that goal, we held a fundraising dinner at the Polish Embassy in October and the proceeds were dedicated to the Center's operating costs.  The Center provides the Polish community with a foothold in our nation's capital, and I urge all Polish Americans to join the Kosciuszko Foundation and to support the Center to help promote Polonia's interests."
 
Since early this year, the ACPC and Kosciuszko Foundation have taken steps to maximize the use of the Foundation's new Washington office for the benefit of the Polish-American community.  This past summer, the Kosciuszko Foundation hosted the ACPC National Youth Conference at its Washington facility, and the two organizations have expressed their desire to continue to collaborate in this manner, as well as to look for other opportunities to do so.
 
Storozynski said, "The ACPC and its affiliates play an important role in preserving Polish culture in our communities across the country. The Center provides a home base for Polonia in Washington, and the ACPC's youth conference is an important program that teaches our youth about the American political process and international affairs."
 
To learn more about the Kosciuszko Foundation, visit http://www.thekf.org/ and to learn more about the ACPC http://www.polishcultureacpc.org/