The F. M. Kirby Foundation Board of Directors announced 103 grants totaling $10,669,250 were approved in the first half of 2024 to nonprofit organizations working to increase the strength and vitality of our communities. In all, 58 grants included general operating support and 54 grants were made to organizations that have been partners of the Foundation for over 25 years,…
The F. M. Kirby Foundation is pleased to welcome a new team member. David Cucchiara has joined the organization as a Communications and Program Associate, effective June 25th. David joins the Foundation with experience in both nonprofit development and strategic communications. After beginning his career in journalism, David spent six years with Wakefern Food Corporation as a Supervisor of Digital…
When Dr. Christina Liparini began her undergraduate education in 1995, she was pursuing an English degree with dreams of becoming a high school teacher. Early in her education, she realized that the transition into college was not going to be an easy one. At the time, mental health was not yet something openly discussed, leaving Dr. Liparini with few options…
Ruth Kaluski has seen a lot of change in the thirty years she has worked in the mental health field. Beginning her career in rehabilitation counseling in 1989, Ruth entered the world of clinical mental health services at a time when conversations about mental illness were clouded by stigma and bias. Now serving as the Statewide Director of Strategic Programs…
Dr. Luke Smith relocated from Arkansas to North Carolina following medical school to pursue a career in adult and childhood psychiatry. As he became more involved in his new community, Dr. Smith realized there was a pressing need for mental health services offered in Spanish. Driven by his newfound commitment to bridging this gap in psychiatric care, Dr. Smith worked…
As a community-based funder that has been serving Morris County for over 80 years, we have witnessed firsthand the unique spirit of collaboration that is embraced by local nonprofits. United in their dedication to serve a shared population, Morris County nonprofits have long been maximizing their impact with creative partnerships, shared resources, and collective expertise. In recognition of the power…
Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. A place where your troubles are all the same. Yes, this is the theme song of the 1980s sitcom Cheers. But that song’s staying power goes beyond its catchy jingo. Indeed, Norm, Cliff, Kelsey, and the rest of the characters that made up the Boston bar seem to get at…
The F. M. Kirby Foundation is pleased to announce that Justin J. Kiczek has been promoted to the role of President and Executive Director, effective January 2nd, becoming the first non-family member to lead the Foundation as President. Justin joined the Foundation in 2019 as Executive Vice President, working in tandem with then President and Board Chair, S. Dillard Kirby,…
The F. M. Kirby Foundation Board of Directors announced 255 grants totaling $15,431,175 were approved in 2023 to nonprofit organizations working to increase the strength and vitality of our communities. Of this total, over 130 grants included general operating support and over 140 grants were made to organizations that have been partners of the Foundation for over 25 years, representing…
The F. M. Kirby Foundation is pleased to welcome a new team member and to announce two staff promotions. Helen Benson has joined the organization as Director of Finance, effective November 13th. Helen joins the Foundation with both small business and corporate experience and 17 years of managing financial operations, strategic planning, and analysis. After beginning her career as an…