What to Know Before Applying
This page provides answers to key questions about our Innovation Engine Grant Program, a new initiative meant to advance social change through impactful partnerships, strategic innovation, and investment in thoughtful programming. More to come in 2025 regarding organization eligibility, criteria, and application submission. This page will be updated in real time as new questions are submitted.
Program Goals
Why is the Foundation focusing on innovation?
The Kirby Foundation realizes that nonprofit organizations often need targeted support that can serve as a catalyst for change. The idea of supporting innovation starts with a fundamental shift in mindset that looks for greater potential impact over the long term, even in the face of short-term challenges. Instead of supporting proven, incremental solutions, the new Innovation Engine Grant Program will focus on transformation — investing in approaches that may have a higher risk of failure, but the potential to be lasting and truly game changing if they succeed.
When you say “Engine No. 2” what do you mean exactly?
As mentioned in the article “Twin Engines for Propelling Social Impact,” an organization’s “Engine 1” is a structure for delivering what you already do. An “Engine 2,” on the other hand, is a structure for developing, testing, and refining new solutions, models, and pathways toward achieving your intended impact.
Why only organizations with budgets of $250,000 to $4 million?
The Foundation wishes to provide this opportunity for smaller organizations who often lack the resources to explore new and/or innovative programs. The goal is to make grants that will have a high potential impact on the grantee.
Can you share an example of a program that’s innovative?
Innovation can take many different forms, depending on the community, the issue being addressed, or constituent needs. As the article “Twin Engines” describes, innovative “Engine 2” programs are those that involve experimentation, agility, and creativity. Programs might be innovative in the way constituents are engaged to create the program or the way a new program could ultimately become a catalyst for significant change in an entire community. Innovation might result in new learning or understanding about an issue or a community’s needs. It could be seen as an organization approaches a situation, leverages resources, or connects to the community in ways that had never been tried before.
You will also find additional information on how you can think about innovation in the “Guidance for Applicants” document, which you can find on the resources page.
Are there examples of innovation in action that you can share?
A community-based food bank knows it’s not reaching as many families as it wishes with fresh produce. To address this, the food bank has created a rotating series of mini-farmer markets in places where working families are likely to gather during the workweek.
A local mental health support organization is partnering with a nonprofit housing development corporation to provide on-site, in-language services for residents. It developed programming with the input of case workers who were empowered to think creatively about how they could make counseling more accessible to those whose first language is not English.
An established museum is creating a mobile pop-up museum that can be set up in community centers, shopping malls, or even sporting venues. Curators have collaborated with local residents and businesses to develop content that will use technology to connect “visitors” with art and artists in creative ways.
If we receive a grant, are there other benefits?
Yes. The CEO/Executive Directors of the grant recipients will be invited to participate in a learning cohort that will meet over the coming years. Additionally, the F. M. Kirby Foundation will promote your organization and its work through various channels.
Will this be an ongoing grant program?
The Kirby Foundation is treating this as a one-year pilot. Once grants are awarded, the Foundation will review and evaluate the overall process to explore potential next steps, which could include offering this grant opportunity on an ongoing basis.
Eligibility
Can anyone apply?
No. Only F. M. Kirby Foundation grantees who were awarded a minimum of three grants between 2020-2024 can apply.
We received our first Kirby Foundation grant last year, are we eligible to apply?
No. The Foundation is asking that organizations have been a grantee for at least the last two consecutive years can apply for this grant.
We are not a direct service provider, are we eligible to apply?
Yes. All current grantees supported by the Foundation with average annual operating budgets between $250,000 and $4 million over the last three fiscal years are eligible.
We launched a new initiative three years ago to expand our programs into a new area, can this grant be used to support that initiative?
No. This grant is designed to support new programs only or current initiatives which were started no earlier than January 1, 2024.
Does it matter where our program is located?
Projects or programs operating within the Foundation’s geographic area of interest are preferred.
Will applying to this grant program impact my regular annual grant submission?
No. This grant program operates independently of your annual grant submission to the Foundation. The content of your Innovation Engine grant application will have no impact on the decision regarding your annual grant request.
We saw an announcement about this grant on LinkedIn. Can anyone apply?
No. Only F. M. Kirby Foundation grantees who were awarded a minimum of three grants between 2020-2024.
Application Requirements
Will we be required to provide matching funds or demonstrate that we’ve secured additional funding for the program?
No. The Innovation Engine grant can be the sole funding for your new project. All applicants will be asked to provide a general summary of the anticipated expenses and potential revenue for the program. Applicants who advance to the Semi-Finalist Stage will be asked to provide a detailed three-year program budget showing revenue and expenses.
What type of financial information will we have to provide?
The Foundation already has your most recent 990; you will not need to submit a new one. All applicants will be asked to provide a general summary of the anticipated expenses and potential revenue for the program. Applicants who advance to the Semi-Finalist Stage will be asked to provide a detailed three-year program budget showing revenue and expenses.
Can this grant be used to cover capital expenses?
Yes. However, your application must demonstrate a clear link between any significant capital expenditures (equipment, facility renovation, etc.) and your proposed program.
Are there any expenses which will not be covered by this grant?
No. Any and all expenses, including staffing and indirect costs, can be included.
Can we request a specific amount for the Foundation’s consideration?
If your application advances to the Semi-Finalist Stage, you will be asked to include a request amount in the three-year budget. Ultimately, however, funds will be allocated based on the number of organizations receiving the grants and the budget for the grantees’ proposed programs.
Application Process
Can this grant be combined with our regular Kirby Foundation grant?
No. The Innovation Engine grant is a separate program. When you receive your 2025 application date from your program officer, stick to that schedule. The applications for Innovation Engine grants are going to be due May 30, 2025, regardless of when your regular Kirby Foundation grant application is due.
How much will the grants be?
The grants will be allocated based on the number of organizations receiving the grants and the budget for the grantees’ proposed programs. It is anticipated that grants could range from $50,000 per year for three years to a potential maximum of $100,000 per year for three years.
If our organization is selected as a Finalist but we do not ultimately receive the grant, will we receive any feedback?
It is anticipated that the Foundation will be able to provide some feedback on your application. The details of such a process have not yet been established.
What is the overall timeline of the program?
Applications will be due by May 30, 2025. Organizations will be informed if they advance to the Semi-Finalist Stage by late summer. Semi-Finalists will be asked to provide additional materials and information, which will be due in mid-September. Finalists will be notified in October and will be asked to participate in an interview with the staff. Grant decisions will be made in December 2025.
Can we see the questions before the application portal opens on April 1?
Yes. A downloadable version of the application questions, as well as a downloadable version of the materials that will be requested for Semi-Finalists, are available on the Innovation Engine Grant Program resource page. There you will also find sample budgets, as well as additional documents to help you prepare your application.
We have a question about the application or the process, who do we contact?
Questions can be directed to Dave Cucchiara, the Kirby Foundation’s Communications & Program Associate, at [email protected]. All inquiries will be reviewed and responded to as quickly as possible.
Additional Questions?
Have you read through the FAQs and still have additional questions? Reach out to Dave Cucchiara, Communications & Program Associate, at [email protected].