Below, you'll find information for place-based foundations interested in the challenge. Note: Also see FAQ for Innovators.

Q. What’s the Knight Community Information Challenge?

A. The Knight Community Information Challenge is a five-year initiative to engage community and place-based foundations in meeting local information needs. The challenge has three related opportunities: The Media Learning Seminar, a gathering of foundation leaders to explore ways to meet information needs; Access to circuit riders, or technical support to guide grantmakers attempting information projects; a matching grants contest (KCIC) to support experimentation.

Q. When can my organization apply for the challenge?

A. The application period will be open January 18, 2012 and close on February 27, 2012. 

Q. Who can enter?

A. The challenge is open to all North American community foundations. It is also open to geographically oriented foundations that have a place-based focus similar to a community foundation.

Q. How do we know if we qualify to apply?

A. The challenge encourages foundations with a clear place-based focus in whole or in part to apply. Consider that place-based foundations are set up to meet core needs of communities. If your foundation does the same, we want to get your proposal.

Q. What are you looking for?

A. Knight is looking for projects that help fill community information needs, foster community engagement and help residents participate in the creation and sharing of news and information. Take a look at our previous winners to see what piqued our interest. We are not wedded to any model of delivering news and information. The project does not have to be Web-based. We are looking for models that potentially can be replicated in other cities and towns.

Q. What are you not looking for?

A. This Challenge is not about helping community or place-based foundations improve their media relations and marketing, or expand their own Web sites, important though these might be.

Q. What is the application process like?

A. The short, initial application must be completed online. If we like your idea, we'll invite you to complete a full proposal.

Q. What’s the difference between the application and a "full proposal?"

A. The application gives us enough summary information to understand your idea. If we like your idea, we'll invite you to complete a full proposal no later than April 2nd (note: corrected from earlier)

Q. Who reviews my entry?

A. Knight staff, augmented by outside reviewers. Final decisions lie with the foundation’s board of trustees

Q. Is there a matching requirement?

A. Yes. We are matching the foundation's commitment to the proposed project. While we  recognize the importance of office space, staff time and other in-kind contributions, they are not considered a part of the required match. The match is a cash match.  

Q. What constitutes a match?

A. Examples of match documentation include pledge letters, stock transfer certificates, copies of checks and grant letters other than from Knight Foundation. All documentation should state that funds are (a) for the project or (b) to match Knight Foundation’s grant.

Q. At which point must the funding match be made?

A. Generally, we will pay out our portion of the challenge grant once you have submitted documentation of your match.

Q. Is it always a $1 to $1 match?

A. It is our preference. The size of the match varies depending on the circumstances.

Q. Can our idea include funds to help our foundation understand the new media universe?

A. Yes. We know that many foundations do not have deep expertise in this area. Every funded project (winner) receives funding to attend the Knight-sponsored Media Learning Seminar and Boot Camp.

Q. What if I have several good ideas. Can I submit more than one?

A. You may file multiple applications, but we want only your best ideas.

Q. Where can I find information from the most recent Media Learning Seminar?

A. Videos, breakout reports and presentation handouts are available on the MLS page.

Q. Where may I learn more about past winners?

A. Past winners are posted on here our web site.

Q. Who do I contact if I have questions?

A. Send an email to kcic@knightfoundation.org.