About

About Knight Foundation

John S. and James L. Knight believed that a well-informed community could best “determine its own true interests” and was essential to a well-functioning, thriving democracy. They pursued those beliefs, building and leading one of the largest and most successful newspaper companies in American history.

For 75 years, Knight Foundation has continued their work by supporting the people, organizations and insights that lead to healthier communities. The foundation invests in local journalism, arts and culture and community development in the 26 cities and towns where the Knight brothers once published newspapers.

Since our founding in 1950, we have been committed to the communities we serve and to providing those communities with the tools they need for residents to thrive.

Learn more about our history

How We Strengthen Communities

Local Journalism and the First Amendment

Knight is one of the nation’s largest supporters of local journalism and a champion of free expression. Our investments support local, nonpartisan news organizations and provide them with the necessary tools and resources to build sustainable business models.

We are focused on making sure Americans across the country have access to trusted, unbiased local reporting and reliable, accurate information about their communities. Learn more.

Community Impact

We invest in projects that spark growth in communities and encourage sustainable long-term development. We are deeply embedded in the communities we serve, working hand-in-hand with the people on the ground to attract and nurture talent, promote economic opportunity, foster civic engagement, create public spaces and help local businesses thrive. Learn more.

Arts and Culture

We believe in the power of arts and culture to connect people and to increase economic mobility in communities. We support art that engages, educates and delights residents in ways that are authentic to each community. Our work helps activate civic life, foster belonging, drive growth and connect people to the places they call home. Learn more.

Information and Society

We recognize that societal trends and new technologies are reshaping how we seek and share information, form beliefs and connect with one another. We support efforts to illuminate these shifts and advance core democratic values like free expression, access to information and accountability. Learn more.

Our Commitment

Knight is a nonpartisan and community-centered organization that promotes a healthy and engaged democracy. By fostering access to information, supporting free and creative expression and encouraging inclusive economic growth, Knight aims to help communities across the country become stronger, more vibrant and more resilient.

Our Beliefs

We believe in freedom of expression and in the values expressed in the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

We believe an informed citizenry is essential for representative democracy to function effectively.

We believe in engaged, equitable and inclusive communities.

We believe in the power of diverse perspectives to foster positive change and build stronger and more equitable communities.

Knight Foundation takes a dynamic approach to its grantmaking, leveraging opportunities authentic to the communities and fields in which we work.

We do not adhere to a prescriptive approach to our work. Instead, we optimize for flexibility and adaptability, ready to embrace emerging opportunities.

We bet on skilled, committed and tenacious leaders who can achieve meaningful outcomes.

Knight Communities

Knight Foundation’s work is national in scope, but it has a special focus on 26 communities where John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Knight has offices in eight of those U.S. cities, and Knight staff work through community foundations in 18 others.