In this episode, Tony Russo sits down with Jackie and Ron Kurtz, the founders of Matt’s Kindness Ripples On, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation born out of a family’s profound grief. Following the tragic loss of their son Matt in 2017, his family sought a way to honor his memory and carry his legacy forward. What began as a modest, self-funded family initiative to award a few local kindness grants has beautifully snowballed into a nationwide movement.
The family discusses the organic growth of their foundation, the therapeutic power of keeping Matt’s name alive through community goodness, and the painstaking but rewarding process of writing and self-publishing a book that chronicles 61 everyday heroes. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that you don’t need to be a celebrity or a billionaire to change the world—you just need a single act of kindness.
Honoring Loss Through Kindness: Following Matt’s passing in 2017, the family channeled their grief into creating “Matt’s Kindness Ripples On,” using kindness as the ultimate vehicle to keep his legacy alive.
An Accidental Movement: The initial plan was simply to give out four $250 awards and grants per year out of their own pockets. Inspired by their blog, community donations poured in, prompting them to form a official 501(c)(3) nonprofit. They now give out $500 grants every single month and have distributed over $25,000 to date.
The Healing Power of Memory: For grieving families, having people freely say their loved one’s name and talk about their impact is an incredibly healing gift.
Redefining the Word “Hero”: The foundation’s new book features 61 distinct stories of ordinary people—neighbors, teachers, and children—who saw a need, started with a small act, and watched it ripple into something extraordinary.
Advice for Changing the World: If you want to make a difference, don’t get overwhelmed by trying to launch a massive project right away. Find a cause that speaks directly to your heart—whether it’s helping shelters, children, or the unhoused—and start with a small, manageable action.
[00:18] The origin of Matt’s Kindness Ripples Onand how hearing about Matt’s everyday impact inspired the foundation.
[01:34]How a small family project blossomed into a 501(c)(3) charity after unexpected donations started coming in.
[06:14]Learning from scratch: Facing the steep learning curve of building a website, starting a blog, and learning to write.
[10:23] The story of “Ruby’s Three Wishes”—an example of an incredible, youth-led national kindness project sparked by a simple question to a senior resident.
[12:02] A candid discussion on grief, why people are afraid to talk about those who have passed, and how the foundation keeps Matt’s name alive.
[14:27]Turning the blog into a book to spread hope and counteract the negativity in daily news.
[16:42] The realities of self-publishing: Working with multiple editors, professional formatters, and leveraging print-on-demand.
[23:58]Upcoming local book signings, library talks, and finding therapeutic community support in the pickleball world.
Website: Visit MattsKindnessRipplesOn.comto read inspiring stories, nominate a local kindness hero, or submit a grant idea for a project you are passionate about.
The Book:Available now (released April 21st)! 100% of all book proceeds go directly back into funding future kindness grants and awards.
Watch:Check out the family’s upcoming television interview on Coast Life TV! You can find their segments streaming on the Coast Life Delmarva YouTube Channel.
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