Atlantic Philanthropies Strengthens Support of Media That Matters
PHILADELPHIA, PA (May 26, 2016)—Media Impact Funders (MIF), a member-supported network of funders who seek to improve society through media and technology, has been awarded a two-year, $500,000 matching grant from The Atlantic Philanthropies, a limited-life foundation. It is the largest-ever grant awarded to the nonprofit since its incorporation in 2009.
“As The Atlantic Philanthropies prepare to sunset, Media Impact Funders will work to keep a bright spotlight on the issues and programs Atlantic has supported over many years,” says MIF’s executive director, Vince Stehle.
In addition, MIF has received a five-year, $250,000 grant from the MacArthur Foundation, a portion of which will serve to match The Atlantic Philanthropies grant.
As a result of these sizable grants, MIF further positions itself as an important resource for the philanthropic community. As curators of the most effective public interest media productions, and as connectors linking up funders, media makers and influencers and encouraging their collaboration, MIF continues to serve as a catalyst for social change and philanthropic impact.
With a history of bringing together leaders in the field to advance knowledge about public-interest issues, both of these grants enable MIF to expand and deepen its coverage of issues that include race and justice, health, the environment, civic tech, and the science of communication.
“These significant investments from two leading media funders strengthen MIF’s ability to serve the community and position us for continued growth and success,” says MIF board chair David Rousseau, who serves as VP and executive director of Media and Technology at the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.
Media Impact Funders (formerly Grantmakers in Film + Electronic Media) was incorporated in 2009 (renamed MIF in 2012) to serve the needs of funders working broadly on social issues. Media projects and makers shape and inform public debate, regardless of the issue—from race and justice to the environment to arts and culture and beyond. As a catalyst connecting funders, media makers and influencers and encouraging their collaboration, MIF supports the ever-growing field of media that matters. Learn more at mediaimpactfunders.org.
The Atlantic Philanthropies are dedicated to advancing opportunity, equity and human dignity. Established in 1982, when Chuck Feeney quietly committed virtually all of his assets to the foundation, Atlantic has since made grants approaching $8 billion. In keeping with Mr. Feeney’s “Giving While Living” big-bet philosophy, Atlantic invests in systemic change to accelerate improvements in the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable people. The foundation, which has operated in Australia, Bermuda, Cuba, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United States and Vietnam, will complete all grantmaking in 2016 and conclude operations shortly afterward. To learn more, please visit www.atlanticphilanthropies.org.
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. MacArthur is placing a few big bets that truly significant progress is possible on some of the world’s most pressing social challenges, including over-incarceration, global climate change, nuclear risk, and significantly increasing financial capital for the social sector. In addition to the MacArthur Fellows Program, the Foundation continues its historic commitments to the role of journalism in a responsible and responsive democracy; the strength and vitality of our headquarters city, Chicago; and generating new knowledge about critical issues. To learn more, please visit www.macarthurfound.org.