How We Fund

While criteria may vary, Knight generally looks for:
• Alignment with our strategic focus areas and program priorities
• A clear theory of change and measurable outcomes
• Community relevance and impact, especially in Knight communities and fields
• Organizational capacity to execute the proposed work effectively
• Innovation, learning potential or field-building value

Some requests are prohibited by law. As a 501(c)(3) private foundation, Knight cannot fund:

• Support for or opposition to political candidates for public office, including contributions or other support that would constitute political campaign intervention
• Grants earmarked for lobbying or political campaign activity, which can trigger private foundation excise tax rules

In addition, Knight generally prefers not to fund:
• Requests for support of fundraising events
• Requests to cover operating deficits
• Charities operated by service clubs
• Medical research or organizations or projects whose mission is to prevent, eradicate, or alleviate the effects of a specific disease
• Requests from hospitals, unless for community-wide capital campaigns with defined start and end dates or for specific projects that meet foundation goals
• Activities to propagate a religious faith or that are restricted to one religion or denomination
• Memorials
• International programs and organizations
• Conferences, group travel, and honoraria for distinguished guests, except in foundation initiatives
• Scholarships for individuals

We primarily fund U.S.-based organizations. In limited cases, we support U.S. based organizations doing work that advances a free press globally.

Most grants are initiated by Knight through our strategies and partnerships. When we have an open call for proposals, we post it on our website and share it through our newsletter.