About this foundation

John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is a national private foundation with strong local roots that invests in journalism, arts and economic opportunity to support healthier communities. The foundation focuses its work in 26 Knight communities where the Knight brothers once owned newspapers and invests through partnerships, research and open calls. Knight typically identifies opportunities through strategy and relationships but posts open calls and posts application details when programs are open. For its local-news initiative the site directs prospective applicants (including nonprofit news leaders) to submit a letter of inquiry through the foundation’s grant portal.

Funding focus

Knight Foundation works to ignite in every person the power to shape thriving communities. We invest to strengthen people’s agency through a sustainable ecosystem of quality information and evidence; to foster community resilience by expanding economic mobility; and to cultivate connection by revitalizing cultural vibrancy, supporting free expression and building common ground.

Grant programs