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. 

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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. 

No. Only current F. M. Kirby Foundation grantees who have received grants in 2023 and 2024 are 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.

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.

No. This grant is designed to support new programs only or current initiatives that have been in place for fewer than 24 months.

No. All F. M. Kirby Foundation grantees who have received grants for at least two consecutive years and whose operating budgets (average of the last 3 fiscal years) that fall between $250,000 and $4 million are eligible.

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.