Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation Announces $2.8 Million in Awards
Grants will fund projects at 25 journalism organizations nationwide

OKLAHOMA CITY --- Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation (EEJF) announced today the distribution of $2.8 million in grants to 25 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.

“New models are necessary to continue the important work of investigative journalism in the public interest,” said Bob Ross, president and CEO of Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation. “We are pleased to partner with the organizations announced today as they work to stimulate positive change through innovative models.”

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

Investigative Reporting
           

• $750,000 to Oklahoma Watch, an investigative and in-depth reporting team that collaborates with other news organizations and higher education to produce journalism that makes a difference in the lives of Oklahomans.

• $200,000 to Investigative News Network for general support and to develop the prototype of ShareandFund.org, a new technology to help foundations support nonprofits by rewarding impact through social networking.

• $100,000 to Fund for Investigative Journalism for grants to reporters who have ideas, skills, and sources, but lack funding for travel, document collection, and other out-of-pocket expenses for reporting.

• $100,000 to InvestigateWest for general support of original investigative reporting in collaboration with a select network of media partners on issues of public consequence in the Northwest.

• $100,000 to Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism for general support of IowaWatch, an online news service that produces investigative journalism, engages in collaborative reporting efforts and educates college journalism students in the state.

• $100,000 to The Lens for general support of watchdog journalism that educates the public about issues that touch their lives, highlighting avenues for public participation in community and municipal affairs.

• $100,000 to Rocky Mountain Investigative News Network for general support of I-News, producing multimedia public-service investigative journalism that leads to measurable results.

• $100,000 to Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism for general support of investigative journalism in the public interest while training the next generation of investigative journalists.

• $75,000 to Center for Media Change for general support of Oakland Local, an online news resource that reflects the stories and voices of Oakland's underserved communities.

• $75,000 to FairWarning for general support of online investigative news focused on safety and health issues facing consumers and workers and related topics of government and business accountability.

• $75,000 to Vermont Journalism Trust for VTDigger.org’s general manager; a series on the connection between money, lobbying and politics; and a campaign finance database.

• $50,000 to American University for Investigative Reporting Workshop to create and publicize high-impact original investigative reporting, to explore new models for delivery and to mentor young journalists.

• $50,000 to City Limits for a managing editor to lead borough-based operations. City Limits has evolved from a bi-monthly magazine to an all-digital operation – with web, mobile, and tablet editions, and syndication partnerships.

• $25,000 to Texas Tribune for public and higher education coverage; includes pursuing statewide issues, developing interactive data tools, promoting databases and sharing expertise with other organizations.

Professional Development
           

• $100,000 to Investigative Reporters and Editors for the Better Watchdog Workshop series of ten workshops in a mix of urban and rural communities and enhanced online training.

• $100,000 to Online News Association to develop, aggregate and collate a web-based, searchable resource library that gives journalists around the world access to cutting-edge digital tools, training and strategies.

• $42,300 to National Press Club Journalism Institute for software licenses to expand course offerings in new media and computer-assisted reporting, new laptop computers and an improved viewing screen for journalism training center.

• $25,000 to Associated Press Managing Editors Association Foundation for NewsTrain, a touring workshop that provides training in the skills, knowledge and information newsroom leaders need in today’s fast-evolving media landscape.

• $25,000 to Society for News Design Foundation for workshops in iPad and app development strategies for professional journalists, students and professors at universities and news organizations across the country.

Youth Education
           

• $85,000 to University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Scholastic Media Initiative, providing grants for equipment, software and training to high schools starting or improving online newspapers.

• $40,000 to Fund for American Studies for the Institute on Political Journalism, introducing aspiring college journalists to the principles of free market economics and ethics while providing practical experience in political journalism.

Special Opportunities
           

• $300,000 to Friends of the Oklahoma History Center to archive, digitize, and create an online, searchable database of the Oklahoma Publishing Company’s Collection of 1.4 million photographs now owned by the Oklahoma Historical Society.

• $150,000 to Oklahoma State University for a new facility for KOSU radio on Historic Film Row in downtown Oklahoma City to include state of the art production studios, an expanded newsroom and a public performance space.

• $25,000 to Marshall University for an initiative to improve the quality of and interest in high school mass media.

• $20,000 to American Copy Editors Society for development and production of an ebook on fabrication and plagiarism.

To learn more about Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation, visit www.journalism foundation.org or call 405-604-5388.

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