Our Story
Welcome to The Polish Project, where giving back is always in style! We're a charity based in Kansas dedicated to a simple yet impactful mission: collecting unwanted nail polish and donating it to long-term care facilities and hospitals. We believe that a little color can go a long way in brightening someone's day.
It started small: a patient's daughter noticed that her mom's favorite polish was dried out and thick.
Our founder, Jillian, was working that day, and that patient's daughter approached her with a simple idea, one that would grow into a full-fledged charity.
She asked, "Why don't we get together with the community and donate some new polish to the hospital?" She was sure we could get enough very easily. Amazingly, that woman was more right than she knew.
After donating her own polish, Jillian wanted to do more, and so put out a call on Reddit. All she asked was where she could get new or gently used polish for cheap?
The Reddit community came out in force! It started with a brand, Uno Mas Colors, offering to send some of their prototypes. Then more and more and more people were reaching out, asking where to send donations.
That was the start of everything! From there, we've put together a board, gotten our 501(c)3 status, and created a full-fledged charity from nothing! There's still a long way to go, and we hope you'll come along for the ride!
Why polish?
Nail polish might seem like a small thing, but it can provide a significant boost to residents and patients in healthcare settings. A fresh manicure can improve mood, spark conversations, and provide a sense of normalcy and self-care. We partner with facilities across the United States to bring these moments of joy to those who need it most.
Easy to donate
Donating your unwanted nail polish to The Polish Project is simple! We accept donations of all brands and colors of nail polish. Clear out your drawers and give your unused polish a new purpose.
How you can help
The Polish Project relies on the generosity of donors like you. Your support allows us to continue collecting, sorting, and distributing nail polish to those who benefit from it most. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference in someone's life.