The F. M. Kirby Foundation Board of Directors is excited to announce its inaugural Innovation Engine Grant Program, a new funding initiative designed to empower current Foundation grantees to advance social change and scale their impact. This pilot program designates $300,000 annually for the next three years to support strategic innovation and thoughtful program expansion among nonprofit organizations with budgets between $250,000 and $4 million. 

Applications open April 1, 2025. The deadline to apply is May 30, 2025. The Innovation Engine Grant Program is only available to current F. M. Kirby Foundation grantees. To learn more about eligibility and application details: 

• Click the link to our Request for Proposals document which includes additional information about the program;

• Read through our Frequently Asked Questions below; or

• Attend our upcoming informational webinar on Thursday, February 27. 

Innovation Engine Resources

The F. M. Kirby Foundation is committed to advancing social change through impactful partnerships, strategic innovation, and investment in thoughtful programming. Central to this commitment is the concept of “Twin Engines” — a dynamic model that emphasizes two key drivers: scaling proven solutions and fostering innovation. Inspired by the research of Ann Mei Chang & Laura Lanzerotti, profiled in the article entitled, Twin Engines for Propelling Social Impact, this approach ensures that organizations not only sustain their efforts but continuously evolve to meet the demands of an ever-changing world. 

At the Foundation, we believe that the most effective way to drive lasting impact is by supporting organizations that balance innovation with scalable action. By cultivating partnerships and investing in forward-thinking “Engine No. 2” initiatives, we empower nonprofits to maximize their reach, deepen their influence, and propel their organizations forward in the future. The Twin Engines model aligns closely with our values, focusing on enhancing organizational capacity while encouraging bold, creative approaches to problem-solving. 

The Foundation partnered with our friends at the Center for Advancement of Social Enterprise (CASE) at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business on a four-part webinar series focused on the idea of maximizing impact through innovation and collaboration. Find links to each webinar and a comprehensive resource page below.

Together, through our support of this dual strategy, we help organizations build on their successes while innovating for the future. We are proud to partner with those committed to meaningful and sustainable social impact, ensuring that today’s challenges are met with tomorrow’s solutions.