The F. M. Kirby Foundation Board of Directors announced 266 grants totaling $16,819,450 were made in 2024 to nonprofit organizations working to increase the strength and vitality of their communities.
A total of 150 grants provided general operating support, while 108 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 2024 included grants made to the Foundation’s primary geographic areas of interest — $6.8 million to organizations operating in New Jersey and $3.2 million to organizations operating in North Carolina. Additional grants, totaling over $6.7 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.
Orchestrated through a continued partnership between the Foundation and the Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, the 2024 F. M. Kirby Prize for Scaling Social Impact was awarded to Semilla Nueva, an organization dedicated to combating malnutrition through the development and distribution of biofortified maize. The prize, which includes $150,000 in unrestricted funds, is administered by the Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship (CASE) at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business in partnership with the F. M. Kirby Foundation.
More broadly, the Foundation’s 2024 grantmaking included increased contributions in its major programmatic funding areas: arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services, and public affairs. Below are examples of the Foundation’s core values in each funding area, along with some of the partners it proudly supports in advancing these principles.
Arts, Culture, & Humanities
Art has the power to unlock creativity, build connections, and enrich cultural understanding, making it a vital part of education. In 2024, the Foundation made $2.4 million in grants to 41 arts organizations, including grants emphasizing the transformative role of arts in education. Partner organizations like North Carolina Arts in Action, Young Audiences of New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania, and Morris Arts provided students with opportunities to explore their creative potential and gain confidence through programs in dance, music, and visual arts.
Environment & Animals
Preserving the natural world for future generations is essential to fostering a healthier, more sustainable planet. In 2024, the Foundation awarded $1.7 million in grants to 34 organizations dedicated to protecting our fragile environment. Partner organizations like the Conservation Trust for North Carolina, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, and Adirondack Land Trust play a critical role in preserving forests and farmlands. Advocating for conservation policies, these nonprofits ensure that cherished landscapes and ecosystems are protected for generations to come.
Education
Access to quality education is vital for unlocking potential and addressing systemic barriers that many students face. In 2024, the Foundation awarded $4.4 million in grants to 44 organizations, many committed to advancing educational equity and expanding opportunities for underserved students. Partner organizations like the Emily K Center, Students to Scholars, and Preschool Advantage are bridging gaps in access, resources, and high-quality early learning experiences that set students on a path to success.
Health
Advancing research and care in neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases is essential to improving quality of life and addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of our time. In 2024, the Foundation awarded $2.7 million in grants to 20 health organizations, including many dedicated to this groundbreaking research. Partner organizations such as Boston Children’s Hospital, Rockefeller University, and Kennedy Krieger Institute are at the forefront of efforts to understand and treat complex neurological conditions, providing hope and transformative care to patients and their families.
Human Services
Mental health remains one of the most pressing challenges faced by individuals and families. In 2024, the Foundation awarded $4 million in grants to 71 human service organizations, including many that addressed critical mental health needs. Grantees like the National Alliance on Mental Illness, El Futuro, the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, and the Center for Child and Family Health work to provide essential support and services to those in need, from counseling and therapeutic care to educational programs and advocacy.
Public Affairs & Society Benefit
In 2024, the Foundation reinforced its commitment to fostering academic freedom, civil discourse, and active citizenship by awarding $1.2 million in grants to 26 public affairs organizations, including those dedicated to strengthening democratic values. Partner organizations — such as the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, and Braver Angels — play pivotal roles in defending free inquiry, promoting constructive dialogue, and empowering individuals to engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives.
