Knight Foundation

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is a prominent private foundation dedicated to fostering informed and engaged communities. Based in Miami, Florida, the foundation primarily operates as a grant-making organization rather than a traditional venture capital firm, focusing its substantial resources on three core areas: quality journalism, media innovation, and community engagement. Its mission is deeply rooted in the belief that strong communities require strong journalism and active citizen participation, reflecting the legacy of its newspaper-publishing founders.

Knight Foundation employs a diverse range of grant programs to achieve its objectives. For instance, its Knight Prototype Fund offers grants typically ranging from $35,000 to $50,000 to support early-stage ideas that advance journalism and media. Beyond these smaller, experimental grants, the foundation also invests significantly in larger, strategic initiatives, including multi-year commitments to universities, non-profits, and civic organizations aimed at transforming local news ecosystems, promoting civic technology, and enhancing arts and culture. Their approach often involves challenging organizations to innovate and adapt to evolving societal needs.

With an endowment exceeding $2.5 billion, the Knight Foundation is one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the United States. Annually, it disburses over $100 million in grants, making a profound impact across numerous cities and sectors. Its funding supports a wide array of projects, from developing new tools for journalists and fostering civic engagement through digital platforms to revitalizing public spaces and supporting artistic endeavors. The foundation's strategic investments are designed to create lasting positive change, strengthening the fabric of American communities.