About Knight Foundation

John S. and James L. Knight believed that a well-informed community could best “determine its own true interests” and was essential to a well-functioning, thriving democracy. They pursued those beliefs, building and leading one of the largest and most successful newspaper companies in American history.

For 75 years, Knight Foundation has continued their work by supporting the people, organizations and insights that lead to healthier communities. The foundation invests in local journalism, arts and culture and community development in the 26 cities and towns where the Knight brothers once published newspapers.

Since our founding in 1950, we have been committed to the communities we serve and to providing those communities with the tools they need for residents to thrive.

Knight is a nonpartisan and community-centered organization that promotes a healthy and engaged democracy. By fostering access to information, supporting free and creative expression and encouraging inclusive economic growth, Knight aims to help communities across the country become stronger, more vibrant and more resilient.

We believe in freedom of expression and in the values expressed in the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

We believe an informed citizenry is essential for representative democracy to function effectively.

We believe in engaged, equitable and inclusive communities.

We believe in the power of diverse perspectives to foster positive change and build stronger and more equitable communities.

Knight Foundation takes a dynamic approach to its grantmaking, leveraging opportunities authentic to the communities and fields in which we work.

We do not adhere to a prescriptive approach to our work. Instead, we optimize for flexibility and adaptability, ready to embrace emerging opportunities.

We bet on skilled, committed and tenacious leaders who can achieve meaningful outcomes.