General Info

The purpose of the John S. & James L. Knight Foundation is to improve the quality of life in 26 United States communities where the two Knight brothers owned newspapers. In each of the communities, advisory committees have developed funding strategies that focus on no more than three of Knight's six funding priorities, which priorities include: education; well-being of children and families; housing and community development; economic development; civic engagement/positive human relations; and vitality of cultural life. Founded in 1940, the foundation first provided financial aid to college students in Akron, Ohio. Over the next few years the foundation focused on grants to educational and cultural institutions in the other cities where Knight Newspapers had published. In addition, journalism education and free press issues emerged as a foundation interest, with almost 25 percent of grants supporting journalism-related causes. The foundation s educational program now includes higher education as well as K-12. In 1993, the foundation incorporated in the state of Florida.