Application Deadline:
3 December 2025
About Organisation
The F. M. Kirby Foundation, established in 1931 by Fred Morgan Kirby, is a family-led philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting initiatives that foster strong, healthy, and self-reliant communities. The Foundation funds a broad range of programs in education, health, environment, arts, religion, human services, and public affairs, reflecting a holistic vision of community well-being. Guided by a commitment to thoughtful, long-term philanthropy, it partners with organizations that demonstrate integrity, impact, and perseverance. The Foundation’s approach emphasizes collaboration, sustained support, and strategic investment in initiatives that promote empowerment and lasting change. Through its legacy of multigenerational stewardship, the F. M. Kirby Foundation continues to uphold its founder’s principles of responsibility and compassion, striving to improve lives by backing visionary organizations across diverse sectors. Its core belief is that meaningful, well-directed philanthropy can strengthen communities and inspire progress on both local and global scales.
About the Grant
The F. M. Kirby Impact Prize for Scaling Impact is an annual global award recognizing an enterprise with exceptional potential to scale its social or environmental impact. Valued at USD 150,000 in unrestricted funds, the prize aims to accelerate the work of organizations demonstrating strong leadership, measurable results, and a strategic approach to growth. Unlike traditional grants, the prize provides unrestricted funding, allowing recipients the flexibility to apply resources where they are most needed. Applicants are evaluated on Impact, Readiness to Scale, and Leadership, with the selection process emphasizing innovation, community engagement, and evidence of sustained success. The program’s multi-phase application process is designed to minimize applicant burden while ensuring fair evaluation. Finalists receive USD 1,000 as recognition for their participation, and all selected finalists gain institutional and branding support from CASE at Duke University, along with mentorship and exposure through global networks. The prize seeks to spotlight and support organizations that not only deliver solutions but also embody collaboration, courage, and learning-driven leadership in addressing urgent social and environmental challenges.
Who can Apply?
The F. M. Kirby Impact Prize is open to all impact enterprises worldwide, including nonprofits, for-profits, or hybrid organizations. Eligible applicants must demonstrate at least three years of proven impact and a strategic plan for scaling their social or environmental influence over the next three to five years. Organizations should have a minimum operating budget of USD 250,000, with the strongest applicants typically operating between USD 1–3 million annually. For international applicants, a U.S. presence is required for tax purposes, including federal taxpayer identification, 501(c)(3) status, or fiscal sponsorship arrangements. Applicants must also demonstrate exemplary leadership aligned with the values of Fred Morgan Kirby, including integrity, resourcefulness, resilience, meaningful collaboration, and prioritization of community needs. Enterprises are evaluated on three dimensions: Impact (effectiveness and evidence of results), Readiness to Scale (strategic plan and risk mitigation for expansion), and Leadership & Team (capacity, accountability, and alignment with beneficiary needs). Projects should prioritize measurable outcomes and reflect innovative, scalable approaches to addressing social or environmental challenges.
How to Apply?
Applications are submitted through a tiered process beginning with Phase 1, where limited information is requested to reduce applicant burden. Organizations advancing to subsequent phases provide additional details, including impact evidence, scaling plans, and leadership strategies. Finalists receive guidance, recognition awards, and support from CASE at Duke. Applicants may request feedback at all stages to strengthen proposals. Submit Phase 1 applications before the stated deadline.
Application Deadline
The Phase 1 application deadline for the 2026 F. M. Kirby Impact Prize is December 3, 2025, 11:59 PM EDT. Late submissions will not be considered.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
