Media Impact Funders has received a three-year, $300,000 general-operating grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, one of the largest philanthropic institutions in the U.S.
A new study conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago in partnership with Media Impact Funders and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism that examines the role of philanthropy in American journalism found strong growth in support for nonprofit news over the past five years. Specifically, the number of grants over $100,000 steadily rose in the last five years, according to the survey. This new support from Hewlett will allow MIF to better understand the dynamics of media grantmaking among these foundations that are currently engaged in the work. MIF will continue to organize these funders to better understand their efforts and ultimately stimulate further expansion of their contributions to media and journalism grantmaking.
“Our new grant from the Hewlett Foundation will contribute to our efforts to convene funders around the work of evaluating their media grants, demonstrating the value and impact of this work, and to commit to growing the work and making it more strategic,” says Vince Stehle, executive director of Media Impact Funders. “We are pleased to continue our relationship with Hewlett, a strong partner whose general operating support will help MIF grow its services and operations at such a critical time.”
With the collapse of local news—where, on average, two newspapers close each week—and the emergence of new technologies poised to further transform the media landscape, there is an urgent need for philanthropy to invest in journalism and media in the public interest to save American democracy. As curators of the most effective public interest media productions, and as connectors linking up funders, media makers and influencers and encouraging their collaboration, MIF is uniquely positioned to advance philanthropic support for media in the public interest.
In an effort to ensure the organization’s long-term stability, MIF will contribute a portion of the grant to its general operating reserve.
About Media Impact Funders
Media Impact Funders (formerly Grantmakers in Film + Electronic Media) serves the needs of media funders working broadly on social issues. Media projects and makers shape and inform public debate, regardless of the issue—from race and justice to the environment to arts and culture and beyond. As a catalyst connecting funders, media makers and influencers and encouraging their collaboration, MIF supports the ever-growing field of media that informs, engages and inspires. Learn more at mediafunders.org.
About Hewlett Foundation
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation is a nonpartisan, private charitable foundation that advances ideas and supports institutions to promote a better world. For more than 50 years, they have supported efforts to advance education for all, preserve the environment, support vibrant performing arts, strengthen Bay Area communities, make the philanthropy sector more effective, and foster gender equity and responsive governance around the world. Learn more at hewlett.org.
Contact: Nina Sachdev, Communications Director, Media Impact Funders nina@mediafunders.org