F. M. Kirby Foundation Announces $17.1 Million in Grants in 2025

The F. M. Kirby Foundation Board of Directors announced that 269 grants totaling $17,052,062 were paid in 2025 to nonprofit organizations working to increase the strength and vitality of their communities.

A total of 167 grants provided general operating support, while 136 grants were awarded to organizations that have partnered with the Foundation for over 25 years, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to fostering long-term, trusting relationships with its grantees. Grantmaking in 2025 included grants made to the Foundation’s primary geographic areas of interest — $7.1 million to organizations operating in New Jersey and $2.1 million to organizations operating in North Carolina. Additional grants, totaling $7.9 million, supported organizations in Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania, regions dear to Kirby family members, as well as national nonprofits largely based in Washington, D.C., and New York City.

In 2025, the Foundation launched its inaugural Innovation Engine Grant Program, awarding three organizations — Adirondack Community Foundation, Braver Angels, and Prevention is Key — $300,000 each over three years, totaling $900,000 in commitments. Inspired by the “Twin Engines” model that balances proven solutions with bold innovation, the program supports current grantees in developing strategic initiatives that expand their impact while maintaining organizational focus. The Adirondack Community Foundation will strengthen social service delivery across New York’s North Country, Braver Angels will apply its depolarization expertise to immigration policy through a Citizens Commission, and Prevention is Key will establish the Morris County Respite Center to provide comprehensive support for vulnerable individuals. Selected from 40 applicants through a competitive evaluation process, these recipients exemplify the Foundation’s goal of fostering creative approaches that address unmet community needs and create lasting change.