The Museum of Life and Science in Durham, N.C., is a nonprofit institution built on sparking curiosity and fostering a love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among visitors of all ages. With over 84 acres of interactive exhibits and outdoor spaces, the museum engages the community through hands-on learning experiences in natural science, local wildlife, and environmental sustainability.…
The F. M. Kirby Foundation is pleased to welcome Sarah DeMartazzi as its new Grants Administrator, effective June 23, 2025. Sarah brings a wealth of experience in grants management and nonprofit operations, which will further strengthen the Foundation’s administrative capacity and support its philanthropic mission. “We are thrilled to have Sarah join our team,” Justin Kiczek, President of the Foundation,…
In the pursuit of groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs, few researchers have as personal a stake in their work as those living with the disease they aim to cure. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during graduate school, Dr. Michael Brehm, PhD, has spent his career unraveling the mystery behind a disease that affects him every day. Dr. Brehm is a professor…
The F. M. Kirby Foundation is proud to celebrate nearly 30 years of partnership with Kennedy Krieger Institute. This world-renowned institution, based in the heart of Baltimore, is dedicated to improving the lives of children and adolescents with neurological, developmental, and behavioral disorders. With a mission to provide comprehensive care, conduct innovative research, and deliver educational services, the Institute is…
Dr. John Moses, Professor of Click Chemistry at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL), took an unconventional and winding path before finding his current area of study. After working various jobs early in life, he decided to pursue a chemistry degree at the University of Bath. A year at Purdue University in the late 1990s deepened his commitment to the field,…
The F. M. Kirby Foundation is proud to celebrate 20 years of partnership with The Emily Krzyzewski Center, a Durham-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering students on their path to college and career success through comprehensive academic and leadership development programs. Founded in 2006 with the vision of helping students from underrepresented backgrounds achieve their full potential, the Center provides critical…
The F. M. Kirby Foundation is proud to celebrate 11 years of partnership with The Moving Picture Institute (MPI), a nonprofit film production company harnessing the power of storytelling to advance the principles of freedom, opportunity, and human dignity through film. By producing and supporting high-quality, mission-driven content, MPI amplifies voices that champion individual liberty, free expression, and justice. Through…
Routine aspects of life that are often overlooked by the general population can pose considerable challenges for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). From accessing basic healthcare services to securing suitable housing to finding consistent employment, neurodivergent individuals must often navigate unique societal challenges. The families who support these individuals, too, shoulder a disproportionate burden, some serving as full-time…
The F. M. Kirby Foundation is proud to celebrate five years of continuous partnership with The Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) The Foundation supports ANJEC’s efforts to strengthen grassroots environmental leadership across the state. For over 50 years, ANJEC has provided essential support through education, advocacy, and training for municipal environmental commissions and environmentalists, empowering local communities to…
The F. M. Kirby Foundation is proud to celebrate four years of continuous partnership with El Futuro, a leading mental health organization dedicated to providing bilingual and culturally responsive care to North Carolina’s Latino community. Based in Durham, the nonprofit offers comprehensive mental health services, including therapy, psychiatry, and substance use treatment, ensuring that Latino families have access to high-quality,…