The Kiona Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity advancing patient-centered health solutions through research, advocacy, education, and direct support. General donations help sustain this work wherever the Foundation determines they can advance its charitable mission most effectively.

What is the Kiona Foundation?

The Kiona Foundation is a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of scientific research, patient advocacy, public education, and practical assistance for people and families navigating serious health challenges.

The Foundation connects responsible scientific inquiry with lived experience. It works to reduce barriers to care, strengthen patient-centered programs, improve access to reliable information, and advance novel botanical drug discovery grounded in pharmacognosy.

What does the Kiona Foundation do?

The Kiona Foundation works across four connected areas:

• Pharmacognosy research and novel botanical drug discovery aligned with the FDA Botanical Drug Development pathway
• Advocacy for patients, caregivers, and communities facing barriers
• Public education about complex health and research topics
• Application-based financial assistance for eligible people and families

This combined approach addresses immediate needs while helping build stronger systems for the future.

What research does the Kiona Foundation support?

The Kiona Foundation supports research in pharmacognosy and novel botanical drug discovery. This work is aligned with the FDA Botanical Drug Development pathway and includes KF-ECS-2025, an IRB-registered study of the endogenous cannabinoid system, the body’s own signaling network.

The Foundation’s research activities may include study design, data collection, evidence development, scientific collaboration, public education, and the infrastructure required for credible investigation.

The Kiona Foundation does not promise treatments, cures, or medical outcomes. Evidence comes first.

How does the Kiona Foundation advocate for patients and families?

The Kiona Foundation advocates for patients, caregivers, and communities whose experiences and needs may not be fully represented in healthcare, research, or public decision-making.

Advocacy activities may include:

• Patient and caregiver support
• Public education and awareness
• Approved in-person advocacy engagements
• Participation in appropriate policy, standards, and regulatory processes
• Efforts to identify and reduce barriers to care and research participation

The Foundation works to ensure that lived experience remains part of conversations about access, research, and patient-centered care.

What educational work does the Kiona Foundation provide?

The Kiona Foundation translates complex health and research topics into clear, responsible public education.

Its educational work supports informed conversations among patients, families, communities, researchers, and healthcare professionals. The Foundation does not provide individual medical advice or make unverified treatment, prognosis, or outcome claims.

Responsible education helps people ask better questions, evaluate information more carefully, and participate more meaningfully in decisions that affect their health and communities.

Does the Kiona Foundation provide financial assistance?

Yes. The Kiona Foundation maintains a separate application-based Financial Assistance Program for eligible people and families navigating medically qualifying conditions, including cancer.

Depending on documented need, program criteria, available funding, and Foundation review, assistance may help with:

• Rent or mortgage expenses
• Utilities
• Nutritional needs
• Transportation costs
• Certain medical expenses
• Other documented hardships affecting access to care

Applicants must provide the information and documentation required for eligibility review. Submitting an application does not guarantee financial assistance.

How are general donations used?

General donations are not limited to one named person, family, trip, or project. The Kiona Foundation retains discretion and control over these contributions and directs them where they can best advance its charitable mission.

General donations may support:

• Research development and scientific collaboration
• Patient and caregiver advocacy
• Public education and community awareness
• Application-based financial assistance
• Approved program materials and travel
• Technology and communications
• Compliance, administration, and responsible program operations
• Other documented needs consistent with the Foundation’s charitable purposes

This flexibility allows the Foundation to respond to current needs while continuing to invest in long-term programs.

Can donors support a specific Kiona Foundation program?

Yes. Donors may select an available fund on this donation page.

The Kiona Foundation General Mission Fund supports the Foundation’s broader charitable mission. The Financial Assistance Program fund supports application-based assistance for eligible people and families.

Fund selection is optional. Donors who do not select a specific fund provide unrestricted general mission support, giving the Foundation flexibility to direct resources where they are most needed.

Are donations to the Kiona Foundation tax deductible?

The Kiona Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donors should retain their contribution receipts and consult their tax advisers about their individual circumstances.

How can I support the Kiona Foundation?

Supporters can make a one-time contribution or choose monthly giving to provide dependable, ongoing support.

Every gift helps the Kiona Foundation connect research with lived experience, advocacy with action, education with understanding, and charitable resources with documented needs.

Thank you for helping build patient-centered solutions, reduce barriers, and strengthen support for the people and communities the Kiona Foundation serves.

Support the Kiona Foundation