In 1983, Wanda and Gene Polisseni lost their daughter, Kimberly, in a car accident when she was only 18. The original foundation was formed to honor her memory and served the interests of law enforcement and organizations for abused children.

Shortly after the formation of the Kimberly M. Polisseni Foundation, Mr. Polisseni became ill, and subsequently passed away. It was then decided to shorten the name to the Polisseni Foundation and to open up the interests to more diverse organizations, in honor of both Mr. Polisseni and his daughter.