Knight Foundation – PHENND

Knight Cities Challenge and Informational Webinar – Apr 7, Apply by Apr 30

hillarya — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:25:54 +0000

Have an idea to make Philadelphia better? The Knight Cities Challenge is a $5 million open call for great ideas that spark local change.

Knight Foundation is currently accepting applications for the Knight Cities Challenge, a $5 million open call inviting individuals and organizations across its 26 communities (including Philadelphia) to submit new, creative ideas for projects that can spark change and leave a lasting local impact.

Building on a long history of open challenges across programs, Knight democratizes access to grantmaking to unlock the best and brightest ideas. This spring, KCC returns to invest in its first cohort of community-centered solutions to local challenges and help promising ideas take root and grow.

Project ideas must focus on at least one of Knight’s investment areas: strengthening local news and information, creating pathways for economic opportunity or cultivating connection through arts, culture and the places that bring people together. Knight Foundation will invest up to $200,000 in selected projects, which are expected to be completed within one year.

Informational webinar on April 7, 2026 at 1:00 PM. Register here.

Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.

Learn more and apply.

Webinar: Knight Election Law Forums – Sep 5

hillarya — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 19:40:18 +0000

Join us for the launch of the Knight Election Law Forums, a collaboration between Knight Foundation and the American Bar Association’s Task Force for American Democracy. This series of webinars will equip journalists with nonpartisan, fact-based knowledge on election law to better inform their communities in the lead-up to the 2024 elections — and beyond. The first webinar will focus on national election law and feature esteemed experts.

Date and Time: Thursday, September 5, 2024, 12 – 2 PM

Future sessions will be focused on state-specific election law issues, tailored for local journalists in key battleground states where this information may be most in demand from their readers: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. These events will provide practical, fact-based guidance on understanding state election laws, ensuring that journalists are prepared to cover critical election issues accurately and effectively.

Virtual Event: INFORMED: Conversations on Democracy in the Digital Age – Nov 28-30

hillarya — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 17:00:35 +0000

We hope you will join us virtually for INFORMED: Conversations on Democracy in the Digital Age.The event, taking place November 28-30, 2022, engages leaders in the biggest questions at the intersection of technology, media and democracy.

With topics from tech platform regulation to election integrity and the ongoing infodemic, speakers include Secretaries of State Brad Raffensberger (R, Georgia) and Jocelyn Benson (D, Michigan), Alondra Nelson, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; Tim Wu, Special Assistant to the President for Technology and Competition Policy, Frances Haugen, transparency advocate and data engineer and Chris Krebs, former director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Today we are faced with a challenging reality: digital networks have brought unprecedented social advantages and helped democratize access to information and ideas. But in recent years, we have also seen them exploited to mislead, disenfranchise and undermine democracy. With the rapid evolution and adoption of technology, these challenges to an informed citizenry are likely to intensify in years to come.

To better prepare society, Knight Foundation is supporting an emerging field of research that can inform policy on information integrity, media and democracy. Working together through the Knight Research Network, the field is now a critical part of our country’s intellectual infrastructure. The foundation is delighted to convene conversations that can advance more informed and engaged democratic citizenship in the digital age.

Join us virtually for what promises to be a robust series of conversations on issues essential to our future.

Learn more and register.

Virtual Event: Students and Freedom of Expression on Campus – Jan 25

hillarya — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 15:38:32 +0000

Please join us on Tuesday, January 25 at 2 p.m. ET, for a robust virtual discussion on campus free speech hosted by the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Today’s students are challenging free-speech norms and are more likely than older generations to support restrictions that limit offensive speech. What’s more, the rise of social media, new sexual-harassment policies, and demands for more racial diversity and inclusiveness have sometimes complicated free expression on campus. In this environment, how can colleges promote open inquiry and discussion while balancing changing attitudes?

The panel will include Michael S. Roth, president of Wesleyan University, and other experts on the campus speech debate. We’ll break down a new Knight-Ipsos report we’re releasing that morning on how American college students’ views of free speech are changing in a post-2020 world.

Learn more and register.

Knight Diversity of Asset Managers Research Series: Philantropy

hillarya — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 15:20:02 +0000

The Knight Foundation has released the latest in a series of studies that examine the diversity – or lack thereof – of U.S. asset managers handling endowments of the country’s top 55 charitable foundations. The study, 2021 Knight Diversity of Asset Managers (KDAM) Research Series: Philanthropy shows modest progress and a huge opportunity for philanthropy to do better.

The study was completed in partnership with Global Economics Group. It updates our previous efforts and reports that:

30 of the nation’s 55 top charitable foundations invest a total of $11.07 billion (16.6% or $1 out of every $6) of their U.S.-based financial assets with diverse-owned firms. We are unable to determine the manager mix of the other 25 foundations because they declined to disclose their data.
Five new foundations participated in this year’s study.
Foundations that participated in both studies demonstrated a gradually increasing assets with diverse-owned firms, increasing their investments by 1 percentage point, or $1.37 billion in additional assets.

In a full-page Washington Post ad, we congratulated the transparency and achievement of the foundations that did participate, honoring them as the Circle of Transparency. We believe greater transparency is key to charting a more equitable approach to investment manager selection and hope to see the Circle grow larger next year. We’re committed to continue studying the diversity of managers of philanthropic endowments and asset management as an industry.

New Report: Adaptive Public Space: Places for People in the Pandemic and Beyond

hillarya — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 16:11:06 +0000

On March 24, 2021, Knight Foundation released “Adaptive Public Space: Places for People in the Pandemic and Beyond”, a Knight-commissioned report examining seven public spaces across the U.S. to identify what made them successful and to offer recommendations for developing equitable and inclusive spaces beyond the pandemic.

A year has passed since COVID-19 transformed our lives, paradoxically accelerating our adoption of virtual spheres while increasing our reliance on outdoor public spaces that have the power to connect and attach us to community.

We’ve witnessed record usage of these public spaces, underlining how important they are to the resilience of communities. COVID-19 provided an unexpected moment of permission — it allowed our cities to innovate and think far beyond the confines of traditional public spaces. And it has been a moment to acknowledge the racial inequities that persist in our cities. Which leaves us with the question: how can we leverage this moment in time, when billions of stimulus and other federal dollars are being released for infrastructure projects, to build more inclusive, equitable public spaces moving forward?

The report holds insights for urbanists, foundations, community advocates, public officials and private-sector leaders interested in how responsive public spaces can thrive and be a vehicle for communities to address equitable development.

The study leverages a variety of pre-pandemic and mid-pandemic data for seven outdoor public spaces — prime examples of neighborhood parks, city-wide destinations and nature oases — operating across four cities: Akron (Summit Lake Park), Detroit (Ella Fitzgerald Park, Detroit Riverfront), Philadelphia (Centennial Commons, Cherry Street Pier and The Discovery Center) and San Jose (MOMENT). Gehl conducted interviews, surveys and focus groups with residents; analyzed data collected online from visitors; and compiled existing and new observational data on each space.

Building Prosperous Communities through Inclusive, Accessible Entrepreneurship – Jan 28

hillarya — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 15:31:39 +0000

Over the past year, communities across the nation have grappled with the immense challenge of balancing public health and economic stability. The economic effects of COVID-19 have fallen heavily on small businesses — particularly those in neighborhoods of color, which often had the least access to support. As vaccines become more available, how can cities across the country support business creation and entrepreneurship that’s inclusive and uplifts those most affected and historically left behind? What barriers can be cleared to allow new entrepreneurs to enter the economy?

On Episode 22 of “Coast to Coast,” we’ll hear perspectives on the opportunities and the challenges cities face to rebuild economies through inclusive, accessible entrepreneurship.

Date and Time: Thursday, January 28, 2021, 1:00 PM

The Importance of Local Leadership amid National Divisions (Featuring Mayor Kenney) – Dec 17

hillarya — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 16:38:00 +0000

After an election that polarized the nation, what are local governments doing to move forward? On Episode 21 of “Coast to Coast,” we’ll talk with the mayors of Philadelphia, Miami and Charlotte, NC, who lead cities in battleground states where Knight operates. They’ll reflect on how communities can build consensus and use local power to shape their own futures despite national divisions.

Join us from home to engage in live conversations about the future of our communities and democracy on Thursday, December 17, 2020, 1:00 PM.

Guests:
Jim Kenney, Philadelphia, PA, Mayor
Daniella Levine-Cava, Miami-Dade County, Mayor
Vi Lyles, Charlotte, NC, Mayor

Democracy and Civic Life: What is the Long Game for Philanthropy?

hillarya — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 20:27:45 +0000

A well-functioning democracy depends on healthy and trusted public and private institutions; an economy that provides broad-based opportunity and prosperity; tolerance and respect for one another and our differences; and a vibrant civic life. But democracy is undergoing a period of stress that some might even call decline. The challenges of our time raise questions about the role of philanthropy and whether the sector has acted aggressively and effectively to stem the decline of confidence in government, institutions, and one another.

To explore where philanthropy might make more of a difference, the Kettering Foundation and the Knight Foundation invited leading thinkers on the future of our democracy to write about the challenges and opportunities for American democracy and what role philanthropy can play in addressing those challenges.

You can find the 18 essays here.

American Views 2020: Trust, Media and Democracy, A Deepening Divide

hillarya — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 14:45:49 +0000

Americans now face a contentious election and unceasing pandemic, where the media plays a vital role in keeping people informed and holding leaders accountable to their actions. They expect that of the media, and their high aspirations speak to journalism’s crucial role in our democracy.

But the gap is deepening between what Americans expect from the news and what they believe they are getting. The Knight Foundation and Gallup have released a landmark report that explores the long-term trends of American attitudes on the news media. According to the report, most Americans, perceiving increased bias in the news, are losing confidence in the idea of an objective media, and believe news organizations have shifted from observer to participant in the politics.

View the report: https://knightfoundation.org/reports/american-views-2020-trust-media-and-democracy/

These findings have important implications for the future of journalism — and our democracy. We hope you will take a moment to review the top insights on our blog: https://medium.com/trust-media-and-democracy/americans-are-losing-faith-in-an-objective-media-a-new-gallup-knight-study-explores-why-8bc87139648e.

Webinar: Meeting People Where They Are – Jul 24

hillarya — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 15:49:18 +0000

The pandemic and national racial reckoning have tested our ability to connect with each other and challenged institutions to serve their communities with greater thoughtfulness. How can we design and deliver arts and culture to achieve positive impacts in our communities? What does engaging a community look like amid a pandemic — and what does it mean for the future? On Episode 5 of DISCOVERY, we’ll talk with Joy Bailey Bryant, vice president and managing director of Lord Cultural Resources, which plans and manages cultural resources. Together, we’ll explore how to effectively engage our communities in creating an equitable future.

Date and Time: Friday, July 24, 1 p.m.

Webinar: Free Speech in 2020 – Jul 23

hillarya — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 15:46:23 +0000

As the nation has changed, so has our understanding of free speech and the First Amendment. What does free speech look like in the digital age? What do the First Amendment’s protections look like in the modern era? On Episode 13 of VISION, we’re talking with Eugene Volokh, a prominent First Amendment law professor at UCLA, as part of a look at contemporary free speech issues.

Date and Time: Thursday, July 23, 1 p.m.

Webinar: Building Equitable Public Spaces – Jul 21

hillarya — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 15:43:18 +0000

Public spaces allow different people to collide and build a shared sense of local identity, as long as everyone is invited in. How do communities rebuild their public spaces in equitable and inclusive ways? What role do history, culture and the arts play in the future of urban spaces? On Episode 10 of Coast to Coast, we’ll hear from Walter Hood, a world renowned landscape architect, Knight Public Spaces Fellow, and creative director and founder of Hood Design Studio. Together, we’ll explore how urban spaces can preserve history and build community.

Date and Time: Tuesday, July 21, 1 p.m.

Webinar: Flattening the the COVID-19 “infodemic” curve – May 7

hillarya — Mon, 04 May 2020 14:36:03 +0000

VISION continues our multi-episode deep dive into the dark and disturbing world of COVID-19 misinformation. In Episode 3, UCLA’s Safiya Umoja Noble joins us to discuss flattening the infodemic curve. Noble is a UCLA associate professor and co-director of the UCLA Center for Critical Internet Inquiry, who holds appointments in African American Studies and Gender Studies. She is the author “Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism (NYU Press).”

Hosted by Sam Gill, SVP/Chief Strategy Officer at Knight Foundation

Date and Time: Thursday, May 7, 1 p.m.

Webinar: Rebuilding Public Life after COVID-19 – May 5

hillarya — Mon, 04 May 2020 14:27:09 +0000

Coast to Coast, a new weekly Knight show, will take a deep dive into cities and explore ideas and insights on building engaging communities in a time of rapid change. Each week, we’ll interview innovators, thinkers and practitioners who are reimagining the future of American cities. Episode 1, Public life has disappeared – what are the social implications and how can we rebuild our cities? features Knight Public Spaces Fellow Eric Klinenberg, The Helen Gould Shepard Professor of Social Science at NYU and a practitioner working on urban public spaces.

Hosted by Lillian Coral and Lilly Weinberg, Knight directors in Community and National Initiatives Program

Date and Time: Tuesday, May 5, 1 p.m.

RSVP: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BSQRZ_DAROKyEmdC4h5PyQ

Virtual Discussion: First Amendment disrupted? The state of free expression in the U.S. – May 5

hillarya — Mon, 04 May 2020 14:23:04 +0000

As the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way institutions across society operate, free expression is as important as ever. Join Knight Foundation and Gallup for First Amendment Disrupted? The State of Freedom of Expression in the U.S., a discussion on the future of freedom of expression in the U.S. and the state of free speech during the current crisis. Sam Gill, Knight’s senior vice president and chief program officer, will also share relevant findings and observations from the third edition of a Gallup-Knight study on free speech on college campuses.

Hosted by Sanford J. Ungar, Director of the Free Speech Project at Georgetown University

Date and Time: Tuesday, May 5, 12 p.m.

Learn more and RSVP: https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=reg20.jsp&partnerref=partnershare&eventid=2318830&sessionid=1&key=5896538A1D821EEF5085626CF54664D4®Tag=&sourcepage=register

High School Student Views On The First Amendment

hillarya — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 22:19:57 +0000

Hear us roar: High schoolers are more supportive of the First Amendment over time, but girls and students of color are less enthusiastic than others. On November 20, The Knight Foundation released a new report, “High School Student Views On The First Amendment: Trends in the 21st Century.”

View the report here: https://knightfoundation.org/reports/high-school-student-views-on-the-first-amendment:-trends-in-the-21st-century/

Engaging Residents through Open Data: Our New Call for Ideas, Apply by Dec. 13

hillarya — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 22:13:56 +0000

Now through December 13, Knight Foundation is seeking ideas that develop innovative approaches to this question:

In what new ways can we transform how data is collected and used to build stronger, thriving, and more engaged communities?

Our $1 million call for ideas explores innovative ways to use open data to inform and engage residents of communities. See the press release here and view a recording of our informational webinar here.

Nominations: Inaugural Knight Public Faces Fellowship

hillarya — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 19:29:18 +0000

The Knight Foundation announced the inaugural Knight Public Spaces Fellowship, intended to recognize leading innovators who are changing the way we think about public space in community.

From now until March 22, we will be accepting nominations for leaders with an exemplary track record of crafting public spaces—trails, parks, plazas and streets—that create opportunities for connection and civic engagement. A small group of fellows will receive a share of up to $1 million in flexible resources to continue their work.

The fellowship will recognize leaders from diverse sectors. We want to know who has had impact in how cities use public spaces to engage, and has the potential to make further contributions.

If you have questions about the application, you can join us for an informational webinar to learn more about the fellowship. Please RSVP to attend here, and we’ll send you more details.

To nominate a candidate or yourself, go to kf.org/psfellows and answer a few questions by March 22 at 11:59 p.m. ET. For more information, take a look at this press release. Follow #knightcities on Twitter for updates, and please spread the word through your networks.

Journalism 360 Challenge

hillarya — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 02:57:23 +0000

Knight Journalism 360 Immersive Storytelling Challenge Open for Submissions

The Knight Foundation has joined with Google News Lab and the Online News Association to launch the Journalism 360 Challenge, an open call for ideas from everyone and anyone willing to experiment and share what they’re learning about mixed reality, virtual reality, augmented reality, and 360-degree video.

Winning ideas will receive up to $35,000 for early-stage projects that best answer the question: How might we experiment with immersive storytelling to advance the field of journalism?

While immersive storytelling offers journalists new opportunities to engage more deeply with members of the audience, it also requires new approaches and raises important questions that can only be answered when people passionate about the future of journalism are willing to exchange ideas and learn from each other. To that end, the foundation is interested in ideas from anyone, anywhere in the world, including journalists, technologists, entrepreneurs, gamers, software developers and academics, startups, established businesses, and nonprofits, that touch on anything from new production techniques, to storytelling tools, to explorations of the use of narrative to address important ethical questions for journalists.

Entries will be accepted from March 8 to April 10, 2017. The review phase will run from April 10 to mid-June, during which time staff from Knight Foundation, the Online News Association, Google News Lab, and a select group of thought leaders from a variety of fields will review applications and select finalists. Knight staff will then interview the finalists and announce the winners of the challenge at the end of June.

For more information, application instructions, and the online application form, see the Knight Foundation website.

DEADLINE: APRIL 10, 2017

https://www.knightfoundation.org/challenges/journalism-360-challenge/