It is critical for the public, especially vulnerable and historically excluded people, to have access to reliable, trustworthy information so they may exercise their voice, participate in decision-making that affects their lives and ensure accountability of the officials elected to serve them. Unfortunately, across the country, communities have experienced a reduction in traditional news outlets, accompanied by a wave of mis- and disinformation that is amplifying distrust and concern. Additionally, recent studies show that Pittsburgh newsrooms heavily stereotype Black Americans in news coverage and are sorely underrepresented in terms of diversity. The tragic effects of not having access to trustworthy news and information were particularly apparent during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately harmed Black and Brown people, and police violence against Black people that launched nationwide protests in 2020.
To positively impact these issues, the Foundation seeks to support:
- Public media outlets that produce professional, regionally focused, fact-based news coverage, especially those that work to build relationships that further knowledge of and ability to accurately cover low-income and Black, Indignous and people of color (BIPOC) communities.
- Platforms that support the ability of low-income and Black, Indigenous and people of color residents to be the authors of their own stories and challenge harmful cultural messages that perpetuate inequity and injustice.
- Initiatives that encourage resident education and dialogue through regularly offered, issue-based community forums that build momentum toward solutions.
| GRANT CYCLE | APPLICATION DEADLINES |
|---|---|
| Spring grant cycle | Feb. 26, 2024 by 5 p.m. (for funding decision by June 6.) |
| Fall grant cycle | July 11, 2024 by 5 p.m. (for funding decision by Oct 30.) |
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CONTACT: Michelle McMurray Vice President, Program and Community Engagement mcmurraym [at] pghfdn.org (mcmurraym[at]pghfdn[dot]org) |
|
CONTACT:
Tika Good Program Associate goodc [at] pghfdn.org (goodc[at]pghfdn[dot]org) |
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