Journalism Op-Ed in Alliance Magazine

Ana Sofía Hibon, Inspirit Program Manager, co-authored an opinion editorial for Alliance Magazine around philanthropic support for journalism in Canada.

The feature highlights the Funding Journalism series, which includes a practical Guide for Canadian Philanthropy for foundations interested in supporting journalism, and a companion document, Guide to Philanthropic Support for Canadian Media, for leaders at nonprofit and for-profit media organizations who want to explore philanthropy as a revenue source. Both guides build on five case studies of media outlets in Canada that have received foundation support.

The op-ed is co-written with April Lindgren, Professor at the Toronto Metropolitan University, and principal investigator for the Local News Research Project.

Read the full article here. Below is an excerpt.

“Philanthropic support for journalism in Canada is in its infancy, but evidence to date suggests that even on a modest scale it can propel powerful reporting that makes a difference.

Foundations in Canada are tentatively stepping up with funding to help address the financial and technical disruptions that have undermined the production of civic, investigative and other forms of journalism essential to democracy society.

By our count, at least three dozen Canadian foundations have now funded the activities of media outlets. Support is constrained, however, by two realities. The first is that demand for charitable services is at an all-time high, so there is major competition for scarce philanthropic dollars. The second is that news organizations and organized philanthropy are still relative strangers. For a culture of philanthropic giving to journalism to thrive, the two sides need to become better acquainted.”

Learn more about Inspirit Foundation’s work in journalism.