A P Kirby Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $5.4-6.6 million
Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
Decision Time: Unknown
Grant Range: $1,000 - $3.6 million (typical: $10,000-$100,000)
Geographic Focus: New Jersey (primary), with national reach

Contact Details

Phone: (973) 543-2200
Address: PO Box 90, Mendham, NJ 07945
Website: None
Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The A P Kirby Foundation Inc is a private family foundation established in 1988 by Allan Price Kirby Jr., with tax-exempt status granted in February 1989. With total assets of approximately $91-95 million and annual giving of $5.4-6.6 million, the foundation supports organizations aligned with the Kirby family's values of free enterprise, constitutional studies, education, and patriotic service. The foundation made 82 grants totaling $5,456,157 in 2023, maintaining this same level of giving in 2024. As an invitation-only funder that does not accept unsolicited applications, the foundation represents the philanthropic legacy of Allan P. Kirby Jr. (1931-2020), grandson of F.W. Woolworth Company founder Fred Morgan Kirby, and operates independently from the larger F.M. Kirby Foundation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs but provides support through:

Major institutional support: $100,000 - $3.6 million (for anchor organizations)
Mid-level grants: $25,000 - $100,000 (education and healthcare)
Community grants: $5,000 - $25,000 (local New Jersey organizations)
Small grants: $1,000 - $5,000 (cultural and civic organizations)

Priority Areas

Public Policy & Free Enterprise: Support for think tanks and policy organizations promoting free market principles
Education: Universities and colleges, with emphasis on constitutional studies and entrepreneurship programs
Historical Preservation: Historical societies and preservation initiatives
Medical Research: Alzheimer's research and healthcare organizations
Veterans Organizations: USO and veteran support services
Arts & Culture: Museums, performing arts, and cultural institutions
Human Services: Community foundations, United Way, and social services
Community Development: Local New Jersey organizations

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, analysis of their grant portfolio suggests they do not fund:

International development projects
Environmental causes
Individual assistance
Political campaigns
Religious organizations for sectarian purposes

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by the Kirby family, children of founder Allan Price Kirby Jr.:

Milan S. Kirby - Chairman
Slater B. Kirby - Treasurer
Jessie K. Lee (née Kirby) - Trustee
Coray S. Kirby - Secretary
Carl O. Helstrom - Trustee
Margo Snyder - Manager

Allan P. Kirby Jr.'s legacy reflects "a private, humble, and extraordinary ordinary gentleman whose generosity and beneficence was not always disclosed," according to his obituary. His philanthropic vision emphasized free enterprise, constitutional education, and patriotic service.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds." Grants are made on an invitation-only basis to organizations identified by the trustees.

Getting on Their Radar

Organizations become grant recipients through:

Community Foundation of New Jersey relationships: The foundation's largest grant ($3.6 million in 2023) goes to CFNJ, suggesting donor-advised fund activity
Educational institution connections: Universities where Kirby family members have established named centers (Wilkes University, Hillsdale College, Lafayette College)
Morris County networks: Strong presence in local New Jersey philanthropic circles
Trustee connections: Organizations connected to the five family trustees
Legacy relationships: Organizations supported by Allan P. Kirby Jr. during his lifetime continue to receive support

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available due to invitation-only process

Success Rates

Not applicable - invitation-only funding

Reapplication Policy

Organizations in the foundation's portfolio appear to receive recurring support, with 88% of 2024 grants going to previous recipients.

Application Success Factors

Given the invitation-only nature, success factors for organizations already in relationship include:

Alignment with founder's values: Allan P. Kirby Jr. was passionate about free enterprise, constitutional studies, and veterans causes
Geographic relevance: Strong preference for New Jersey organizations, particularly Morris County
Institutional stability: Preference for established institutions with track records
Educational mission: Universities and colleges with programs in entrepreneurship or constitutional studies align well
Historical significance: Organizations preserving American history and heritage
Consistent relationships: 88% repeat funding rate suggests importance of maintaining strong relationships once established

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

This is an invitation-only funder - do not submit unsolicited proposals
The foundation maintains a consistent portfolio with 88% of grants going to previous recipients
New organizations (12% of portfolio) appear to enter through trustee connections or Community Foundation of New Jersey
Strong alignment with free enterprise, constitutional education, and veterans causes reflects founder's values
Geographic proximity to Mendham, NJ and Morris County provides advantage
Educational institutions can leverage the Kirby family's history of establishing named centers and programs
Consider building relationships through the Community Foundation of New Jersey, which receives their largest grants

References

Foundation Directory Online: A P Kirby Foundation Inc profile (accessed January 2025)
Candid/Foundation Center: Form 990 analysis for EIN 22-2922817 (2023-2024)
Instrumentl: A P Kirby Foundation funding analysis and grant recipients (accessed January 2025)
Allan P. Kirby Jr. Obituary, West Essex Tribune (2020)
IRS Tax Exempt Organization Database: EIN 22-2922817 classification and status
Community Foundation of New Jersey: Annual reports showing Kirby Foundation support
Hillsdale College: Allan P. Kirby Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship
Wilkes University: Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship