What We Fund

Funding of grants is based on priorities established for each of our three major programs.

Journalism Program

Press Freedom and Freedom of Information

We work to advance journalism excellence, free expression and freedom of information worldwide through high-impact projects.
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Digital Media and News in the Public Interest

We intend to advance the best values of journalism through rapidly developing digital media.
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News and Newsroom Diversity

We help newsrooms and citizens use emerging technologies to better cover and engage their entire community.
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Training and Education

We aim to speed the news community’s digital transformation by working with both current and future journalists. See Midcareer Training Programs | Knight Chairs in Journalism
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Communities Program

Our funding preferences (below) historically frame and focus Knight grant-making. In each Knight community, however, our program directors look for and fund unique opportunities with the greatest potential for transformational change. For more, go to the community home pages.

Vitality of Cultural Life

To provide all residents access to a wide variety of artistic and cultural pursuits. To nourish creativity in children, youth and adults.
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Civic Engagement and Positive Human Relations

To encourage and enable all residents to participate effectively in the democratic process, form ties to local institutions and strengthen relationships with one another.
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Well-being of Children and Families

To provide all children and youth with opportunities for positive growth and development and to give all parents resources they need to strengthen their families.
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Education

To help all residents gain the knowledge and skills necessary to reach economic self-sufficiency, remain active learners, be good parents and effective citizens in a democracy. To provide an environment in which talented individuals refine and develop their abilities.
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Economic Development

To help all adults gain access to jobs. To build alliances among government, business and nonprofit sectors to create economic opportunities for residents.
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Housing and Community Development

To provide all residents with access to affordable and decent housing in safe, drug-free neighborhoods. To provide a continuum that includes everything from services for the homeless to affordable opportunities for home ownership.
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National and New Initiatives

Civic Engagement

We aspire to enable all residents to participate in their communities and assume the full rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy.
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Universal Access

We believe every citizen should have access to today's public square on the Internet. We help Knight communities introduce technologies to allow citizens to connect.
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Social Innovators

We invest in bright ideas, individuals and organizations with the potential for achieving transformational change. We help nurture an environment where social innovators can thrive.
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Workforce Development

We engage employers and workers in creating innovative programs that prepare the nation's workforce for 21st Century jobs.
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New Americans

We work with national and grass roots organizations to help immigrants become naturalized citizens and play an active role in civic life.
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