Knight in the News

Foundation Support Grows to Build Workforce Skills and Prosperity for Low-wage Earners

Wed, 07 May 2008 11:00:00 EDT

The Council on Foundations' 2008 Philanthropy Summit today highlighted programs of the National Fund for Workforce Solutions (NFWS) as emblematic of successful approaches to workforce development. The recognition came as new support was announced to broaden the impact of NFWS programs in urban and rural communities nationwide.

Kristen Taylor Joins Knight Foundation
As Online Community Manager

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT

Miami, Fla. - Kristen Taylor, a specialist in social media, has joined the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in a new position: online community manager.

Knight Foundation backs WNYC and PRI's The Takeaway with John Hockenberry and Adaora Udoji

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 07:10:00 EDT

The Takeaway with John Hockenberry and Adaora Udoji, an innovative new national news program for morning drive time, gears up for its April 28 debut on public radio with $2 million in lead foundation support to WNYC from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

First Year of Knight Arts Partnership Community Challenge Closes With More Than 1,600 Ideas for Local Arts Projects

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced today that the first-year round of the Knight Arts Partnership community challenge closed early this morning after a two-month open enrollment period. Of the 1,622 ideas received at www.KnightArts.org most came from individuals, not from organizations.

Speech: Remarks by Alberto Ibargüen on the Opening of the Newseum

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:45:00 EDT

Welcome to the Newseum.

On behalf of the trustees you met a few minutes ago, it is my privilege to welcome you and to invite you to you use this house, to treat it as your own and to invite your friends and fellow citizens of the world to revel in this celebration of freedom.

On behalf of the trustees, it is also my privilege to acknowledge the vision and courage of Al Neuharth, the know-how and tenacity of Charles Overby, Peter Prichard, Joe Urchel and the team they put together to work with Jim Polcheck, Ralph Applebaum and others to build this living monument to free expression.

Knight Foundation Grants Duluth LISC $500,000

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EDT

Duluth LISC today announced that a $500,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation will make five Duluth neighborhoods significant participants in a national effort to involve residents in long-term planning physical improvements and comprehensive community development.

Community Information Needs and Access to be Studied by New Commission from the Knight Foundation and the Aspen Institute

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 17:30:00 EDT

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Aspen Institute today announced the launch of the Knight Commission on the Information Needs of Communities in a Democracy (www.knightcomm.org).

Speech: 'The Future of News' by Journalism Program VP Eric Newton

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EDT

Eric Newton, Knight Foundation’s journalism program vice president, received the 2008 Dewitt Carter Reddick Award from the University of Texas at Austin for “outstanding professional achievement in the field of communication.” This is the text of “The Future of News” -- remarks presented April 12 by Newton at the College of Communication Honors Convocation.

Speech: Paula Ellis' Remarks on Opening of Knight Center of Digital Excellence

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:40:00 EDT

Good morning. Thank your for being here with us on this important day. I’m Paula Ellis, vice president for strategic initiatives at the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. I welcome those of you here in Akron as well as those joining connecting to us from around the nation through the web. I am joined by Akron Mayor Donald L. Plusquellic, OneCommunity CEO Scot Rourke, and Knight Foundation Akron Program Director Vivian Celeste Neal.

National Knight Center Will Help Communities Provide Access to the Digital Town Square for Their Citizens

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:10:00 EDT

A new national center here will help communities ensure that their citizens can take advantage of social, civic and economic opportunities by accessing the digital town square of the 21st century.

Volunteers Support Habitat for Humanity’s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 06:15:00 EDT

The trustees and staff of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation join former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, his wife, Rosalynn, thousands of volunteers from around the world and partner families to support Habitat for Humanity’s 25th annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in the Gulf Coast. The five-day event from May 11-16, 2008 will serve to construct and rehabilitate 60 houses and frame up to 48 more in the host cities of Biloxi, Gulfport and Pascagoula, Miss.

Knight Foundation Joins Newseum’s Founding Partners With a Lead Contribution of $25 Million

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EDT

A $25 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to the Newseum - the largest investment from the news community to the newest museum in the nation's capital - will honor the news legacy of the Knight brothers.

More People See Federal Government as Secretive

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 02:20:00 EDT

Three-quarters of American adults view the federal government as secretive, and nearly nine in 10 say it's important to know presidential and congressional candidates' positions on open government when deciding who to vote for, according to a Sunshine Week survey by Scripps Howard News Service and Ohio University.

Knight Foundation ‘New Americans’ Initiative Promotes Naturalization and Civic Participation

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 11:30:00 EDT

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation today announced it will invest more than $3 million in programs to help eligible immigrants become citizens and participate more fully in the civic life of their communities. The foundation’s New Americans initiative addresses opportunities in Knight communities to provide education and family services to growing numbers of immigrants, particularly those who have green cards and want to become naturalized citizens.

Knight Foundation Names Marc Fest Vice President of Communications

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EDT

The trustees of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation have elected Marc Fest vice president of communications. He will report to Knight Foundation President and CEO Alberto Ibargüen.

Sunshine Week to Host Discussion on Open Government

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:15:00 EDT

Washington — Sunshine Week will host a discussion on open government and secrecy issues following a Thursday, March 13, L.A. Theatre Works production of "Top Secret: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers" in Los Angeles. The panel will be led by Peter Scheer, executive director of the California First Amendment Coalition.

Knight Foundation Names Community Advisers in Gary

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 07:25:00 EST

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has appointed seven local community leaders to its Gary Community Advisory Committee.

Gary's appointed advisers are: Renae Brantley, regional director, Ancilla Systems; Alyce J. Butler, Barbara Cope, executive director, Gary Educational Development Foundation; Dorothy R. Leavell, publisher and editor, Gary New Crusader; Steve Simpson, medical director, The Methodist Hospitals; Jose Guadalupe Valtierra, chancellor of Ivy Tech State College; and Jeffrey Q. Williams, The Caring Corner.

"These advisors are community leaders that are committed and passionate about the city of Gary and its future," said Brenda Prince, the foundation's program director for Gary. "We are excited to work with them."

Knight Foundation Names Community Advisers in Miami

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 07:20:00 EST

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has appointed four local community leaders to its Miami Community Advisory Committee.

Miami's appointed advisers are: Robert Barlick, Goldman Sachs & Co.; Joseph T. Natoli, senior vice president of business and finance and chief financial officer, University of Miami; Javier Alberto Soto, vice president and general counsel, Dutko Worldwide; and Rosa Sugrañes, chairman, Iberia Tiles.

"We're quite fortunate to be able to tap the community insights and knowledge of these community leaders," said Lorenzo Lebrija, the foundation's program director for Miami. "They enable us to better serve our community."

Knight Foundation Names Community Advisers in Lexington

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 07:20:00 EST

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has appointed eight local community leaders to its Lexington Community Advisory Committee.

Lexington's appointed advisers are: Dr. Eunice A. Beatty, Ph.D., David Cozart, administrator of development, Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County; Debra A. Hensley, CLU, Hensley Agency, State Farm Insurance Companies; Phil Holoubek, president, LRC; David Mohney, director emeritus, University of Kentucky College of Design; Anne E. Nash, executive director, Blue Grass Community Foundation; Mahjabeen Rafiuddin, director of student diversity engagement, University of Kentucky; and Josh Santana, partner, Santana & Fay, PSC. Dr. Beatty has been appointed chair of the advisory committee for 2008.

"This talented and diverse group of community leaders is passionate about Lexington and its future," said Laura Williams, the foundation's program director for Lexington. "Their knowledge and ideas will be invaluable as we develop grants with the potential to transform our community."

Stars Shine in Sunshine Week Print, Broadcast Public Service Ads

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EST

A series of broadcast and print public service ads featuring 13 actors, who are high-profile members of The Creative Coalition, speaking about the importance of open and accountable government has been produced for Sunshine Week, March 16-22, and can be used throughout the election season in conjunction with the Sunshine Campaign.

Knight Foundation Names Community Advisers in Charlotte

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 07:30:00 EST

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has appointed eight local community leaders to its Charlotte Community Advisory Committee.

Charlotte's appointed advisers are: Ronnie Bryant, president and CEO, Charlotte Regional Partnership; Ann Caulkins, president and publisher, The Charlotte Observer; Astrid Chirinos, president, Diverso Global Strategies; David Lee, specialty and special projects analyst at Bank of America; Joan F. Lorden, provost and vice chancellor of University of North Carolina Charlotte; Todd Mansfield, CEO, Crosland Group; Laura L. Meyer, executive vice president, Foundation for the Carolinas; and Stoney D. Sellars, president, Technology Project Management.

"We so appreciate the interest in Knight's work demonstrated by this group of advisors," said Susan Patterson, the foundation's program director for Charlotte.

Knight Foundation Names Community Advisers in Boulder County

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 07:30:00 EST

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has appointed eight local community leaders to its Boulder Community Advisory Committee.

Boulder's appointed advisers are: Christine Cameron, mayor, City of Lafayette; Brad Feld, managing director, Foundry Group; Carly Hare, director or programs, The Community Foundation Serving Boulder County; Rich Lopez, attorney at Lopez Law Office; Ryan Martens, founder and chief technology officer of Rally Software; Karen Rahn, co-director, Housing & Human Services, City of Boulder; and John Tayer, public affairs manager of Roche Colorado Corporation.

"I'm thrilled that such a talented and diverse group of community leaders is willing to take time from their own busy lives and careers to help the Knight Foundation connect with those in the community that are making a difference," said Dave Mills, the foundation's program director for Boulder County.

Knight Foundation Names Community Advisers in Fort Wayne

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 07:25:00 EST

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has appointed six local community leaders to its Fort Wayne Community Advisory Committee.

Fort Wayne's appointed advisers are: David J. Bennett, executive director, Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne; Rick Cartwright, dean of the art department, University of St. Francis; Herb Hernandez, president, Asset and Estate Management; Gregory A. Johnson, vice president and chief financial officer, Fort Wayne Newspapers; Wendy Robinson, a superintendent for Fort Wayne Community Schools; and Kyaw Soe, a director for the Fort Wayne Schools literacy program.

"These leaders will provide counsel to Knight Foundation as we seek to make grants in Fort Wayne with the potential to transform the community," said Vivian Neal, the foundation's program director for Fort Wayne.

Knight Foundation Names Community Advisers in Columbia

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 07:25:00 EST

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has appointed seven local community leaders to its Columbia Community Advisory Committee.

Columbia's appointed advisers are: J. Mac Bennett, president and CEO, United Way of the Midlands; James A. Bennett, executive vice president and director of public affairs, First Citizens Bank; John W. Folsom, president and CEO, Colliers Keenan Real Estate; Marjorie L. Gilbert, president and CEO, Central Carolina Community Foundation; Henry Haitz, publisher and president, The State; Barbara J. Hamilton; Joel A. Smith III, former dean, University of South Carolina Moore School of Business; and Inez Moore Tenenbaum.

"We appreciate the interest in Knight's work demonstrated by this group of advisors," said Susan Patterson, the foundation's program director for Columbia.

Knight Foundation and Ashoka Create Fellowships For Social Entrepreneurs in Journalism

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 05:15:00 EST

As journalism reckons with an uncertain future, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced today a partnership with Ashoka: Innovators for the Public, the world's largest community of leading social entrepreneurs, to create a new cadre of Ashoka Journalism Fellows.

Ashoka Honors North America's Top Social Entrepreneurs With Lifetime Election to Global Fellowship

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 15:40:00 EST

The Seventh Annual North American Fellowship Induction ceremony will be hosted by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in the Knight Concert Hall of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.

Knight Foundation’s Biggest South Florida Initiative Adds Momentum to Growing Support for The Arts

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced today the Knight Arts Partnership, an initiative with a $60 million impact on the arts in South Florida through three endowment grants to leading arts institutions and an inclusive, open-invitation community challenge seeking ideas in the arts and matching funding. Announcement text

Alberto Ibargüen: Knight Arts Partnership Announcement

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 02:00:00 EST

"Today, I’m privileged to announce the Knight Arts Partnership, an initiative to support the arts in our home community."

Coverage Extensive for MTV Street Team 08

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST

News coverage on the Internet about the Knight-funded "MTV Street Team 2008" has been extraordinary. Here are links to much of the coverage, provided by MTV.

New Silicon Valley Education Foundation Launched

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:30:00 EST

In a move aimed at bringing business and community leaders together to improve public education in Silicon Valley, the San Jose Education Foundation and the Santa Clara County Education Foundation announced today a merger creating the Silicon Valley Education Foundation.