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F M Kirby Foundation Inc. is a private corporation based in MORRISTOWN, NJ. The foundation received its IRS ruling in 1932. It holds total assets of $310.4M. Annual income is reported at $51.9M. Total assets have decreased from $398.1M in 2011 to $302.9M in 2023. The foundation is governed by 11 officers and trustees. Tax records are available from 2020 to 2023. Funding is distributed across 6 states, including New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania. According to available records, F M Kirby Foundation Inc. has made 1,000 grants totaling $58.3M, with a median grant of $36K. The foundation has distributed between $14.1M and $28.7M annually from 2021 to 2023. Grantmaking activity was highest in 2022 with $28.7M distributed across 498 grants. Individual grants have ranged from $1K to $600K, with an average award of $58K. The foundation has supported 339 unique organizations. The foundation primarily supports organizations in New Jersey, North Carolina, New York, which account for 76% of all grants. Grantmaking reaches organizations across 15 states. Contributions to this foundation are tax-deductible.
## How to Approach the F. M. Kirby Foundation
The F. M. Kirby Foundation is an invitation-only funder, which fundamentally shapes the approach strategy. The foundation no longer accepts unsolicited letters of inquiry; instead, its program team identifies organizations and extends invitations to apply. This means the primary pathway to funding is building visibility and relationships within the foundation's network.
Key alignment signals the foundation prioritizes:
1. Long-term partnerships: 136 of 269 grants in 2025 (over 50%) went to organizations partnered with Kirby for 25+ years. The foundation deeply values sustained relationships over one-time grants.
2. General operating support: 167 of 269 grants (62%) were for general operating support, signaling that Kirby trusts its grantees and prefers flexible funding over restricted project grants.
3. Family connection: As a five-generation family foundation, organizations "already well known to one or more of the directors" have a significant advantage. The Kirby family's historical ties to retail (F.W. Woolworth), education, and specific geographies (NJ, NC, PA, CT) inform giving priorities.
4. Community strengthening: The foundation's stated goal is to "invest in opportunities that foster self-reliance or otherwise create strong, healthy communities." Proposals should frame impact in terms of community resilience and self-sufficiency.
5. Innovation within stability: The new Innovation Engine program rewards grantees that "balance proven solutions with bold innovation" — demonstrating the foundation values both track record and forward-thinking approaches.
Theory of change: Kirby operates on a trust-based philanthropy model where deep, long-term relationships with proven organizations yield better outcomes than competitive open application processes. Their shift to invitation-only reflects this philosophy.
## Funding Patterns
The F. M. Kirby Foundation has demonstrated steady growth in annual grantmaking over recent years:
Grant size distribution: The average grant is approximately $60,753, with individual grants ranging from roughly $5,000 to $1,000,000. The top grants (e.g., $1M to Breakthrough T1D, $600K to The Lawrenceville School) go to long-standing institutional partners.
Sector allocation (2025):
| Category | Amount | Grants | Avg Grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | $4.7M | 55 | $85,455 |
| Human Services | $3.8M | 75 | $50,667 |
| Arts, Culture & Humanities | $2.5M | 44 | $56,818 |
| Health | $2.2M | 17 | $129,412 |
| Environment & Animals | $1.9M | 34 | $55,882 |
| Public Affairs | $1.3M | 30 | $43,333 |
| Religion | ~$128K | ~14 | ~$9,143 |
Geographic distribution: New Jersey ($7.1M, 42%) and North Carolina ($2.1M, 12%) together account for about 54% of giving. The remaining 46% goes to Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, and national organizations in Washington D.C. and New York City.
Key pattern: Health grants have the highest average size ($129K) despite the lowest count (17), suggesting the foundation makes fewer but larger strategic bets in healthcare. Human Services has the highest grant count (75) but a below-average grant size, indicating broad community support.
## Peer Comparison
The F. M. Kirby Foundation sits in the upper-mid tier of New Jersey-based private foundations. With approximately $303 million in assets and $17.1 million in annual giving (5.6% payout rate), it is a significant regional funder.
| Foundation | Assets | Annual Giving | Focus | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F. M. Kirby Foundation | $303M | $17.1M | Multi-issue (education, health, arts, human services) | Invitation-only |
| Turrell Fund | ~$150M | ~$7M | Children & youth in NJ/VT | Open application |
| Hyde & Watson Foundation | ~$120M | ~$5M | Capital projects in NJ/NYC | Open LOI |
| Nicholson Foundation | ~$200M | ~$10M | Health equity, early childhood | Invitation-only |
| Victoria Foundation | ~$230M | ~$11M | Newark-focused, education, environment | Open RFP |
| Henry Luce Foundation | ~$1B | ~$40M | Arts, theology, Asia, higher ed | Mixed |
Distinguishing characteristics compared to peers:
1. Breadth of focus: Unlike peers that concentrate on 2-3 areas, Kirby funds across 7 categories, making it one of the most diversified NJ foundations.
2. Invitation-only model: While some NJ peers maintain open application processes, Kirby's shift to invitation-only mirrors a broader trend among family foundations but limits accessibility.
3. Payout rate: At 5.6%, Kirby exceeds the required 5% minimum payout, indicating a commitment to robust annual giving relative to assets.
4. Longevity of partnerships: With 50%+ of grants going to 25+ year partners, Kirby has among the highest grantee retention rates of any NJ foundation, reflecting a trust-based philanthropy approach.
5. Global reach: The Kirby Prize for Scaling Impact ($150K to a Kenya-based enterprise) and Innovation Engine program ($900K) represent newer strategic bets that differentiate Kirby from purely regional peers.
## Recent Activity (2025-2026)
Grantmaking growth: The foundation announced $17.1 million in 2025 grants across 269 organizations — a steady increase from $15.4M (2023) to $16.8M (2024) to $17.1M (2025), reflecting approximately 5% annual growth in giving.
Innovation Engine Grant Program launch (2025): The most significant strategic development was the inaugural Innovation Engine program, which awarded $900,000 total ($300,000 each over three years) to three organizations selected from 40 applicants: - Adirondack Community Foundation — strengthening social services across New York's North Country - Braver Angels — applying depolarization methods to immigration policy through a Citizens Commission - Prevention is Key — expanding the Morris County Respite Center for vulnerable individuals
Foundation President Justin Kiczek emphasized the program seeks organizations that "balance proven solutions with bold innovation to maximize social impact." A 2027 application window is expected to be announced in late 2026.
F. M. Kirby Prize for Scaling Impact: The 2025 prize ($150,000 unrestricted) was awarded to Solar Freeze, a Kenya-based social enterprise addressing post-harvest food loss and energy poverty through mobile solar-powered cold storage units. Applications for the 2026 prize have closed.
Transition to invitation-only: The foundation formally completed its shift away from accepting unsolicited letters of inquiry, moving to a fully online, rolling application process for invited organizations only. This represents a significant strategic evolution in how the foundation identifies and supports grantees.
Leadership: Justin J. Kiczek continues as President, with S. Dillard Kirby as Vice President and Diana L. Kostas as Treasurer/Secretary. The foundation maintains a lean staff of approximately 6 employees.
## Application Tips for the F. M. Kirby Foundation
Understanding the invitation-only reality: Since Kirby no longer accepts unsolicited applications, the most important "application tip" is actually a relationship-building strategy. Organizations should focus on becoming visible to the foundation's program team and board members through: - Participation in Council of New Jersey Grantmakers (CNJG) events and networks - Visibility in Kirby's geographic focus areas (Morris County NJ, Research Triangle NC, Luzerne/Northampton Counties PA, Adirondack NY) - Connections to existing Kirby grantees who may provide introductions
If invited to apply, maximize your proposal:
1. Emphasize organizational stability and track record: Kirby overwhelmingly funds organizations with proven histories. Demonstrate financial health, leadership continuity, and measurable outcomes over multiple years.
2. Request general operating support: With 62% of grants going to unrestricted support, Kirby clearly prefers this model. Frame your request around organizational capacity rather than isolated projects.
3. Show community impact and self-reliance: Kirby's stated mission focuses on "fostering self-reliance" and "strong, healthy communities." Proposals should demonstrate how your work builds lasting community capacity, not dependency.
4. Align with innovation themes: For the Innovation Engine or similar programs, demonstrate how your initiative "complements rather than duplicates existing work" and show "clear pathways to sustainability and measurable impact." The foundation values creative solutions grounded in organizational expertise.
5. Use the Grants Portal resources: Once logged into the portal, download the Resource Guide and preview the WORD version of the application before starting your submission.
6. Geographic alignment matters: Organizations in NJ (~42% of giving) and NC (~12%) have a structural advantage. If your organization operates in these regions, lead with that geographic connection.
7. Be prepared for multi-year relationships: Kirby thinks in decades, not grant cycles. If funded, invest in the relationship through transparent reporting, proactive communication, and invitations to see your work firsthand.
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Supports family alma mater institutions, equitable educational access, school choice, special education, civics and history education, and programs fostering entrepreneurship. $4.4 million awarded in 2024.
Funds organizations supporting vulnerable populations including mental health services, preventive care, and initiatives addressing health disparities. $4 million awarded in 2024.
Supports neuroscience research, disease-related organizations, hospitals, and community health programs including a $1 million three-year grant to Breakthrough T1D for Type 1 diabetes research. $2.7 million in 2024.
Funds performing arts centers and programs, cultural community arts development, historical and educational museums, and fine art museums. $2.4 million to 41 arts organizations in 2024.
Supports land and wildlife conservation initiatives, particularly in the Adirondack Park region. $1.7 million awarded in 2024.
Interests include higher education reform, drug and alcohol prevention policy, democratic capitalism, free enterprise think tanks, individual rights and free speech policy, immigration reform, and public news media support. $1.2 million in 2024.
Supports religious organizations and institutions. $127,500 awarded in 2024.
Launched in 2025 for current grantees with budgets between $250K-$4M. Awards $300,000 over three years to organizations balancing proven solutions with bold innovation. $900,000 total in inaugural round to 3 recipients.
Annual global award of $150,000 in unrestricted funding for exceptional impact enterprises (nonprofits, for-profits, or hybrid) with at least 3 years of proven impact and minimum $250K operating budget.
## Funding Patterns The F. M. Kirby Foundation has demonstrated steady growth in annual grantmaking over recent years:.
F M Kirby Foundation Inc. has distributed a total of $58.3M across 1,000 grants. The median grant size is $36K, with an average of $58K. Individual grants have ranged from $1K to $600K.
## How to Approach the F. M. Kirby Foundation The F. M. Kirby Foundation is an invitation-only funder, which fundamentally shapes the approach strategy. The foundation no longer accepts unsolicited letters of inquiry; instead, its program team identifies organizations and extends invitations to apply. This means the primary pathway to funding is building visibility and relationships within the foundation's network.
F M Kirby Foundation Inc. is headquartered in MORRISTOWN, NJ. While based in NJ, the foundation distributes grants to organizations across 15 states.
| Name | Title | Compensation | Benefits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin J Kiczek | EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT | $191K | $50K | $241K |
| Diana L Kostas | TREASURER/SECRETARY | $148K | $23K | $171K |
| Joann F Tiefau | PROGRAM OFFICER | $134K | $25K | $159K |
| Wilson M Compton Md Mpe | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Sandra Brown Sherman | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Leigh K Klein | ASST SECRETARY/DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Alice K Horton | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Laura H Virkler | CHAIRPERSON | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Elizabeth M Kirby | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| S Dillard Kirby | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Jefferson W Kirby | VICE PRESIDENT | $0 | $0 | N/A |
Total Giving
$18.7M
Total Assets
$302.9M
Fair Market Value
$354.1M
Net Worth
$301M
Grants Paid
$16.5M
Contributions
N/A
Net Investment Income
$10.9M
Distribution Amount
$16.5M
Total: $289M
Total Grants
1,000
Total Giving
$58.3M
Average Grant
$58K
Median Grant
$36K
Unique Recipients
339
Most Common Grant
$25K
of 2023 grantees were first-time recipients
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trustees Of The Lawrenceville SchoolTHE F.M. KIRBY MATH AND SCIENCE CENTER ENDOWMENT FUND-$200,000; FOR THE KIRBY HOUSE ENDOWMENT FUND-$200,000; FOR RESERVED FOR FUTURE DECISION-$200,000 | Lawrenceville, NJ | $600K | 2023 |
| Greens Farms Academy IncTOWARD THE RENOVATION OF THE LOWER SCHOOL ASSEMBLY ROOM-$170,000 IN 2022, PLEDGED FOR LIKE USE-$165,000 IN 2023 AND 2024; FOR THE GFA FUND-$40,000 IN 2022, LIKE AMOUNT PLEDGED FOR LIKE USE IN 2023 AND 2024 | Westport, CT | $370K | 2023 |
| Mayo Performing Arts CenterGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT-$100,000; FOR RESERVED FOR FUTURE DECISION FUND-$200,000 | Morristown, NJ | $300K | 2023 |
| American Red Cross National HeadquartersNATIONAL DISASTER RELIEF FUND | Washington, DC | $300K | 2023 |
| Fuqua School Of Business Center For The Advancement Of Social EntrepreneurTOWARD SUPPORT OF THE FRED MORGAN KIRBY PRIZE FOR SCALING SOCIAL IMPACT-$150,000 IN 2023, 2024, AND 2025; TOWARD SUPPORT OF THE PRIZE ADMINISTRATION AND THE KIRBY SCALING SEMINAR-$140,000 IN 2023, 2024, AND 2025 | Durham, NC | $290K | 2023 |
| Lafayette College Future DecisionRESERVED FOR FUTURE DECISION #2 | Easton, PA | $250K | 2023 |
| United Way Of The Greater Triangle IncHEALTHY FAMILIES AND CRADLE TO CAREER IMPACT PILLARS IN ORANGE AND DURHAM COUNTIES-$150,000; FOR 10 TO WATCH AND ANTI-RACISM COMMUNITY FUND INITIATIVES WITHIN THE EQUITY IN LEADERSHIP PILLAR-$100,000 | Durham, NC | $250K | 2023 |
| American Cancer Society Incnortheast RegionSUPPORT OF PROGRAMS IN THE NORTHWEST NEW JERSEY REGION -$30,000; SUPPORT OF THE NATIONAL HOME OFFICE EXTRAMURAL RESEARCH EARLY CAREER INVESTIGATORS - $220,000 | New York, NY | $250K | 2023 |
| Fuqua School Of Business TheTHE ANNUAL FUND-$50,000; FOR RESERVED FOR FUTURE DECISION FUND-$200,000 | Durham, NC | $250K | 2023 |
| City Of Wilkes-Barrekirby ParkSUPPORT OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ADA-ACCESSIBLE FISHING PIER AND POND WALKWAY AT KIRBY PARK | Wilkesbarre, PA | $205K | 2023 |
| Lafayette College Kirby Athletics Enhancement Endowment FundKIRBY ATHLETICS ENHANCEMENT ENDOWMENT FUND | Easton, PA | $200K | 2023 |
| Wake Forest UniversitySUPPORT OF THE WAKE FOREST FUND - $25,000; SUPPORT OF THE OFFICE OF PERSONAL AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT - $25,000; SUPPORT OF THE PROGRAM FOR LEADERSHIP AND CHARACTER - $25,000; RESERVE FOR FUTURE DECISION - $125,000 | Winstonsalem, NC | $200K | 2023 |
| Jdrf InternationalFOR: SUPPORT OF THE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN NEW ENGLAND | New York, NY | $200K | 2023 |
| Children'S Hospital CorporationTOWARD THE F.M. KIRBY NEUROBIOLOGY CENTER, SPECIFICALLY THE INNOVATION AND EDUCATION FUND-$180,000; TOWARD EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION INTERNSHIP INITIATIVE-$20,000 | Boston, MA | $200K | 2023 |
| Triangle Land Conservancy IncTOWARD SUPPORT OF "A FORCE FOR NATURE: CONSERVING THE TRIANGLE'S LAND AND WATER FOR ALL" CAMPAIGN-$75,000 IN 2023 AND 2024 AND $100,000 IN 2025; TOWARD GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT-$50,000 IN 2023 AND 2024 AND $55,000 IN 2025 | Durham, NC | $175K | 2023 |
| Madison Area YmcaSUPPORT OF THE F. M. KIRBY CHILDREN'S CENTER CLASSROOM EXPANSION PROJECT $50,000 IN 2023 AND 2024; FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND PROGRAM SUPPORT FOR THE F. M. KIRBY CHILDREN'S CENTER - $85,000; FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES AT THE FAMILY CENTER - $40,000 | Madison, NJ | $175K | 2023 |
| Hill Learning Center Inc TheGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT - $100,000; SUPPORT FOR THE FURTHERING ACCESS INITIATIVE - $50,000 | Durham, NC | $150K | 2023 |
| United Way Of Northern New JerseyGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT IN MORRIS COUNTY ONLY | Morristown, NJ | $150K | 2023 |
| Cornerstone Family ProgramsIN SUPPORT OF 501C3 PURPOSE | Morristown, NJ | $150K | 2023 |
| Durham Academy IncDURHAM ACADEMY FUND - $45,000; SUPPORT TO ESTABLISH THE F. M. KIRBY FOUNDATION FACILITIES ENDOWMENT FUND - $100,000 | Durham, NC | $145K | 2023 |
| Nature Conservancy In New Jersey TheGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT-$100,000; TOWARD SUPPORT OF THE NEW JERSEY CHAPTER OPERATIONS ENDOWMENT-$40,000 | Chester, NJ | $140K | 2023 |
| Trust For Public Land TheNEW JERSEY PROGRAMS ONLY | Newark, NJ | $140K | 2023 |
| Caring House IncTOWARD SUPPORT OF THE CAMPAIGN FOR EXPANSION-$140,000; PLEDGED FOR LIKE USE $160,000 IN 2024 AND 2025 | Durham, NC | $140K | 2023 |
| Shakespeare Theatre Of New Jersey TheIN SUPPORT OF 501C3 PURPOSE | Florham Park, NJ | $135K | 2023 |
| Morris Habitat For Humanity IncSUPPORT OF PROJECTS IN MORRIS COUNTY $45,000 THREE-YEAR PLEDGE FROM 2023 TO 2025; SUPPORT OF THE EQUITY REVOLVER FUND - $70,000 IN 2023, AND $65,000 PLEDGE IN 2024 AND 2025. | Randolph, NJ | $130K | 2023 |
| Foundation For Morristown Medical Center IncSUPPORT OF THE FOURTH STAGE OF PREGNANCY HEALTH EQUITY PROGRAM | Morristown, NJ | $125K | 2023 |
| Alzheimer'S Associationnational OfficeSUPPORT FOR EARLY-CAREER INVESTIGATORS THROUGH THE INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH GRANT PROGRAM | Chicago, IL | $125K | 2023 |
| Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Inc Thenew Jersey ChapterTOWARD SUPPORT OF THE DARE TO DREAM PROJECT | Cranford, NJ | $125K | 2023 |
| Drew UniversitySUPPORT OF THE LAUNCH PROGRAM | Madison, NJ | $125K | 2023 |
| F M Kirby Center For The Performing ArtsIN SUPPORT OF 501C3 PURPOSE | Wilkesbarre, PA | $120K | 2023 |
| Cold Spring Harbor LaboratorySUPPORT OF RESEARCH IN THE LAB OF DR. JOHN MOSES | Cold Spring Harbor, NY | $120K | 2023 |
| The Rockefeller UniversitySUPPORT OF THE PURCHASE OF A NEW LATTICE LIGHT SHEET MICROSCOPE | New York, NY | $120K | 2023 |
| Intercollegiate Studies Institute IncIN SUPPORT OF 501C3 PURPOSE | Wilmington, DE | $120K | 2023 |
| New Jersey Conservation FoundationIN SUPPORT OF 501C3 PURPOSE | Far Hills, NJ | $120K | 2023 |
| Yale Universityschool Of MedicineTOWARD OPERATIONAL COSTS OF THE CNNR IMAGING FACILITY | New Haven, CT | $120K | 2023 |
| Planned Parenthood Of Northern Central And Southern New Jersey IncGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT IN MORRIS COUNTY ONLY | Morristown, NJ | $100K | 2023 |
| Morris Museum Inc TheGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT-$50,000; TOWARD SUPPORT OF THE BICKFORD THEATRE IN HONOR OF DR. WILSON M. COMPTON-$5,000; TOWARD RESTORATION OF THE GALLERY AND STAIR-HALL IN THE TWIN OAKS MANSION-$45,000 | Morristown, NJ | $100K | 2023 |
| Christopher And Dana Reeve FoundationSUPPORT OF RESEARCH INITIATIVES TO CURE SPINAL CORD INJURY | Short Hills, NJ | $100K | 2023 |
| Center For Individual RightsIN SUPPORT OF 501C3 PURPOSE | Washington, DC | $100K | 2023 |
| United Way Of Wyoming ValleyANNUAL ALLOCATIONS TO COMMUNITY-BASED SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES AND PROGRAMS | Wilkesbarre, PA | $100K | 2023 |
| Lafayette College Kirby Athletics Enhancement Gift FundKIRBY ATHLETICS ENHANCEMENT GIFT FUND | Easton, PA | $100K | 2023 |
| Summit Speech SchoolGENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT-$65,000 IN 2023; TOWARD SUPPORT OF THE ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN-$30,000 IN 2023; PLEDGED FOR LIKE USE $35,000 IN 2024 AND 2025 | New Providence, NJ | $95K | 2023 |
| Environmental Defense Fund IncTOWARD SUPPORT OF SCIENCE-BASED POLICY SOLUTIONS TO PROTECT THE ADIRONDACKS FROM ACID DEPOSITION | New York, NY | $90K | 2023 |
| Adirondack Council Inc TheIN SUPPORT OF 501C3 PURPOSE | Elizabethtown, NY | $90K | 2023 |
| Jbws (Formerly Known As Jersey Battered Women'S Service)IN SUPPORT OF 501C3 PURPOSE | Morristown, NJ | $90K | 2023 |
| State Theatre Center For The Arts IncIN SUPPORT OF 501C3 PURPOSE | Easton, PA | $90K | 2023 |
| National Constitution CenterIN SUPPORT OF 501C3 PURPOSE | Philadelphia, PA | $90K | 2023 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation Of America IncSUPPORT OF THE HEALTH CARE DIVISION | New York, NY | $90K | 2023 |