SPJ Foundation Grants
Forecasted
SPJ Foundation Grants support journalism organizations and public interest nonprofits with projects that defend press freedom, promote media literacy, and strengthen public trust in credible news.
Funder: Society of Professional Journalists
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $100,000 awarded across 12 grants in 2026 ($1,500–$15,000 each); initial funding for one year
Summary: Supports projects that defend press freedom, advocate for journalists, promote media literacy, and strengthen public trust in credible news.
Key Information: Grant payments must go to a U.S.-based 501(c)(3), not an individual.
Description
The SPJ Foundation, the educational and charitable arm of the Society of Professional Journalists, supports projects that strengthen journalism and protect the public’s right to know. Priorities include defending press freedom and the First Amendment, equipping journalists to advocate for themselves and their profession, promoting media literacy, and developing innovative ways to protect access to credible information. The Foundation seeks mission-aligned programs that serve and appeal to diverse audiences.
Supported work includes public records training, student press advocacy, journalism ethics education, community media literacy, and journalist safety resources. The program emphasizes project-specific support rather than general newsroom or reporting support. SPJ and its chapters are important partners, but other qualifying organizations may apply. The Foundation’s Grants Committee reviews proposals and recommends awards to the Foundation Board, which makes final funding decisions.
