Press Release

News and Stories

Empowering Tomorrow’s Environmental Leaders: Grantees Fostering the Next Generation of Changemakers

Empowering Tomorrow’s Environmental Leaders: Grantees Fostering the Next Generation of Changemakers

By Dave Cucchiara Communications & Program Associate Nature offers us more than just beauty — it nurtures our well-being, fuels our creativity, and provides the essential resources that sustain life. Yet, beyond what we take from the natural world, there is a growing need to give back, ensuring that future generations inherit a planet as rich and vibrant as the…

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F. M. Kirby Foundation Announces $16.8 Million in Grants in 2024

F. M. Kirby Foundation Announces $16.8 Million in Grants in 2024

By David Cucchiara Communications & Program Associate The F. M. Kirby Foundation Board of Directors announced 266 grants totaling $16,819,450 were made in 2024 to nonprofit organizations working to increase the strength and vitality of their communities. A total of 150 grants provided general operating support, while 108 grants were awarded to organizations that have partnered with the Foundation for…

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Grantee Spotlight: Regional Plan Association

Grantee Spotlight: Regional Plan Association

The F. M. Kirby Foundation is pleased to celebrate 20 years of continuous partnership with the Regional Plan Association (RPA), an independent non-profit civic organization. Since 1929, RPA has released four long-term plans to guide the growth and development of the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut Metropolitan Area. These initiatives are credited with enhancing the region’s economic vitality, improving environmental sustainability, and…

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Nonprofits Empowering Students Through Art Education

Nonprofits Empowering Students Through Art Education

By Dave Cucchiara Communications & Program Associate Budget cuts, economic recessions, and shifting priorities have gutted arts education from our public schools over the last decade. From performing arts like band, orchestra, and theater to visual arts like photography, drawing, and ceramics, this coursework is critical to fostering creativity and inspiring the next generation to reshape American art. The F.…

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F. M. Kirby Foundation Announces $10.7 Million in Grants in Early 2024

F. M. Kirby Foundation Announces $10.7 Million in Grants in Early 2024

By Dave Cucchiara Communications & Program Associate 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…

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Foundation Welcomes New Communications and Program Associate

Foundation Welcomes New Communications and Program Associate

By Gina Beviglia Program Associate 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…

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Spotlighting Mental Health Professionals: Ruth Kaluski

Spotlighting Mental Health Professionals: Ruth Kaluski

By Gina Beviglia Program Associate 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…

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Spotlighting Mental Health Professionals: Dr. Luke Smith

Spotlighting Mental Health Professionals: Dr. Luke Smith

By Gina Beviglia Program Associate 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…

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Justin Kiczek Promoted to President and Executive Director of Kirby Foundation

Justin Kiczek Promoted to President and Executive Director of Kirby Foundation

By Gina Beviglia Program Associate 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…

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