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KenekticFoundation

Our Impact

We measure our success by the connections made, the research funded, and the communities strengthened.

By the Numbers

$103K

Year 1 Grant Budget

Deployed across our six grant programs

6

Active Programs

Covering research, community, education, equity, policy, and innovation

3,000+

Research Sources

Curated library of loneliness research

2

Grant Cycles/Year

Spring and fall application windows

Grantee Stories

Real organizations. Real impact.

The Connection Project

$45,000 — Community Programs

A network of weekly friendship circles for isolated older adults hosted in public libraries across three rural counties.

Outcomes

  • 240 seniors served in year one
  • 72% of participants reported reduced feelings of loneliness
  • Program expanded to 12 library locations

Before the friendship circle, I could go days without a real conversation. Now I have people who notice when I'm not there.

Participant, age 74

University of Michigan Social Connection Lab

$120,000 — Research Grants

A longitudinal study examining how workplace friendship affects mental health outcomes and employee retention.

Outcomes

  • 1,500 participants across 24 workplaces
  • Published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology
  • Findings cited in 3 state-level policy recommendations

This research gives us concrete evidence that workplace friendships aren't just nice to have — they're a health imperative.

Dr. Lisa Park, Principal Investigator

Amigos Sin Fronteras

$35,000 — Access & Equity

A bilingual peer support program connecting newly arrived immigrant families with established community members for friendship and mutual aid.

Outcomes

  • 180 families matched in the first year
  • 94% of participants reported feeling more connected
  • Model adopted by 2 additional cities

When you arrive in a new country, loneliness can be overwhelming. This program gave our family friends who understood us.

Program participant

Strategic Focus Areas

Reaching those most affected

We prioritize funding for communities facing the greatest barriers to connection.

Older Adults

Addressing isolation among seniors through community-based programs and technology access.

Rural Communities

Bridging geographic isolation with mobile programs and community gathering spaces.

LGBTQ+ Youth

Creating safe spaces for connection and peer support among marginalized young people.

Immigrant Communities

Culturally responsive programs that help newcomers build friendships and belonging.

Workplace Loneliness

Researching and addressing the isolation epidemic in remote and in-person workplaces.

Neurodivergent Individuals

Supporting connection programs designed for different social interaction styles.

Annual Reports

Transparency in everything we do

Our annual reports detail every dollar deployed, every organization funded, and every outcome measured. Reports will be available as the foundation completes its first year of operations.

First annual report coming soon

Help us fund more stories like these

Every dollar supports research, community programs, and advocacy that combat loneliness and build authentic connection.