By Dave Cucchiara Communications & Program Associate Communities flourish when they embrace the richness that immigrant populations bring, from the vibrant arts to the iconic food traditions that help strengthen the social fabric. But the impact of immigration extends far beyond culture. Studies show that immigrants play a vital role in driving economic growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation. According to the…
By Justin Kiczek President A few weeks ago, I was invited by the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers to speak at their spring conference on the topic of “Philanthropy and Civic Engagement.” I was joining five other speakers in a kickoff “Spark” session, in which each of us would, using a short speech, “ignite” ideas on the conference theme. Faced…
By Dave Cucchiara Communications & Program Associate The F. M. Kirby Foundation Board of Directors approved 116 grants totaling $8,937,600 in the first half of 2025 to support nonprofit organizations dedicated to strengthening and enriching our communities. This total reflects grants awarded in 2025 and multi-year commitments. In all, 67 grants included general operating support and 59 grants were made…
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.…
By David Cucchiara Communications & Program Associate 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…
By Dave Cucchiara Communications & Program Associate 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…
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…
By Dave Cucchiara Communications & Program Associate 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…
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…