Social innovation by definition is dynamic, as projects hoping to catalyze large-scale change don’t often have a clear beginning, middle or end. For foundations and non-profits interested in making a demonstrated impact, this fact necessitates that they constantly evaluate their efforts and adjust strategies based on what they’re learning. And yet many traditional approaches to […]
Article · August 8, 2012 by Elizabeth R. Miller
Starting tomorrow, participants will gather in Aspen to discuss the best strategies for using information and technology to encourage more open and innovative governance. The Forum on Communications and Society, sponsored by Knight and hosted by the Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program, will also explore how specific innovations that governments are using can open […]
Article · August 4, 2012 by Elizabeth R. Miller
Today marks the launch of The I Files, a new news channel that aims to be the hub of investigative reporting. A partnership between the Center for Investigative Reporting and YouTube, working with the Investigative News Network and funded by Knight Foundation, the channel will select and showcase videos from other national and local media partners. David […]
Article · August 2, 2012 by Elizabeth R. Miller
Detroiters gathered at Crank Up the Cause to learn more about Citizen Effect’s Detroit4Detroit initiative. Photo Credit: Khaaliq Thomas for Citizen Effect. Growing up, Clarence Wardell cultivated a love of learning and technology at the Detroit Area Pre College Engineering Program. So when he came across Citizen Effect’s Detroit4Detroit, a platform that helps people find projects that meet their interests and raise […]
Article · July 26, 2012 by Elizabeth R. Miller
As ProPublica’s newest news app developer, Lena Groeger is helping the investigative news organization expand its field-leading efforts in data driven news. Developers on the app team create software that lets readers interact with news stories, making them more relevant to people’s lives. Think of projects like the Dollars for Docs database, where people […]
Article · July 25, 2012 by Elizabeth R. Miller
Excited about civic data? Don’t miss an opportunity to win prizes and money for your ideas to make it understandable and useful. The Civic Data Challenge, sponsored by Knight Foundation and presented by the National Conference on Citizenship, is looking to turn existing civic health and community attachment data into beautiful, useful applications and visualizations to help build stronger communities. The deadline […]
Article · July 24, 2012 by Elizabeth R. Miller
Today in Miami, we’re gathering 17 journalists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to help us review the applications in the latest Knight News Challenge, on data. By the end of the day, we hope to have 10-12 finalists that we’ll examine more deeply over the next few weeks. We expect to bring about five of those forward […]
Article · July 10, 2012 by Elizabeth R. Miller
Innovative mobile games, especially those that take place at the local level and focus on issues like art or civics, are often relatively low profile. Thus, it’s hard to determine their impact on communities and the larger engagement field. A new report seeks to address that problem by profiling nearly 40 games and revealing key […]
Article · July 3, 2012 by Elizabeth R. Miller
Update: Live from TEDGlobal, organizers announce the TedPrize will raise its grant awards for The City 2.0 by 10 fold – to $1 million. A man who plans to turn thousands of plastic water bottles into an amusement park for children is one of the first recipients of the City 2.0 TED prize, which includes $10,000. […]
Article · June 27, 2012 by Elizabeth R. Miller
Over three days, the innovators and thought leaders at the MIT-Knight Civic Media Conference talked about data and drones, opengov and algorithms, and even ventured into the possibilities robots might have for the future of news. In the closing session, Michael Maness, Knight’s Vice President of Journalism/Media Innovation, wrapped up how these conversations explored the intersection of where data meets […]
Article · June 20, 2012 by Elizabeth R. Miller
Syracuse University honored Knight Foundation today with its i-3 award for impact, innovation and influence in the journalism field. The honor is given annually to individuals or organizations that “have made a profound impact on the media landscape or have captured the public’s imagination about the potential or importance of the media in a unique way.” Knight’s President and CEO […]
Article · June 13, 2012 by Elizabeth R. Miller