Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation Announces $1.153 Million in Awards

OKLAHOMA CITY — Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation (EEJF) announced today the distribution of $1.153 million in grants to 14 journalism organizations nationwide.

Founded by Edith Kinney Gaylord, Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation’s mission is to invest in the future of journalism by building the ethics, skills and opportunities needed to advance principled, probing news and information.

“We are proud to support nonprofit news organizations committed to collaboration and innovation while providing trustworthy news and information our democracy relies upon,” said Bob Ross, President and CEO of Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation. “EEJF’s grantees are increasing transparency in our government and providing important information for the community.”

The following grants were awarded to organizations for projects addressing the foundation’s core areas of focus:

Investigative Reporting

• $250,000 to Oklahoma Watch in support of investigative and in-depth journalism with increased focus on multimedia, statehouse and state issues coverage.
• $75,000 to Fund for Investigative Journalism for grants to investigative reporters who have tips, sources, and know-how but lack resources to conduct investigations.
• $75,000 to New Mexico In Depth to expand investigative reporting, build upon collaborative approach, and grow revenue streams through special products and activities.
• $50,000 to Carolina Public Press to increase government openness and accountability through audience and community engagement on critical issues.
• $50,000 to FairWarning to deliver strong watchdog journalism in the public interest, expand audience and broaden financial base.
• $50,000 to I-News at Rocky Mountain PBS for continued efforts to grow a sustainable membership.
• $50,000 to Investigative Newsource to increase categories of revenue and numbers of partners and supporters.
• $50,000 to The Lens for general support of efforts to increase community dialogue about criminal justice, schools, government and politics, land use and the environment in New Orleans.
• $50,000 to Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism to promote journalistic ethics, financial transparency, and paid internship program.

Oklahoma Journalism

• $68,000 to University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Scholastic Media Initiative, providing grants to high schools starting or improving online newspapers.
• $37,096 to University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Institute for Diversity in Journalism, a week long camp at OU for Oklahoma high school students who face barriers to careers in journalism.

Professional Development

• $100,000 to Investigative Reporters and Editors for Watchdog Workshops, a regional training program that equips journalists with tools, tactics and strategies to hold government and business accountable.

Special Opportunities 

• $112,500 to Arizona State University for News21 fellowships for students from University of Oklahoma’s Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication.
• $85,000 to Student Press Law Center to work as an educator and public policy advocate and to provide free legal assistance to students and educators encountering obstacles in gathering and reporting news.
• $50,000 to Voice of San Diego for web team and tools that would serve the technology needs of the News Revenue Hub, a membership services pilot project.

To learn more about projects funded by Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation visit http://inasmuchfoundation.org/category/eejf/ or call 405-604-5388.