American Journalism Project (AJP)

In an interview with Inside Philanthropy, AJP CEO Sarah Berman stated that AJP works with news organizations that do not have enough revenue to sustain operation without government funding, and it selects organizations that best align with it argues is public service. Berman also stated that publicly funding news organizations allow them to focus on “other priorities,” which she describes as “public health,” “climate,” and “thriving democracy.” ²

Background

American Journalism Project is a nonprofit grantmaking organization that was founded in December 2019 with over $42 million in funding from the Knight Foundation, Arnold Ventures, Emerson Collective, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, Facebook Journalism Project, and philanthropist Christopher Buck, which it lists as “lead supporters.” In 2018, Democracy Fund and Erin and John Thornton provided AJP with “seed funding.” ¹

AJP was founded by two left-of-center media figures: Elizabeth Green, founder of Chalkbeat, and John Thornton, founder of the Texas Tribune. ¹ It uses its funding to give to local news organizations, subsidizing and providing guidance on their operations. ^{2 3}

Grantmaking

American Journalism Project states that it requires grantees to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and seek to provide a so-called “public service.” It also requires that grantees incorporate what it defines as “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) in its operations. Additionally, it solicits applications from organizations that operate in what it considers “underserved communities.” ⁴

As of September 2023, AJP reports having over 41 grantees, consisting of nonprofit news organizations, and has raised over $157 million in contributions for its grantmaking. ⁵

In addition to providing funding to its grantees, whether it is funding to start operations or for existing organizations, AJP’s website states that it works with grantees, coaching them on implementing what it argues to be “best practices.” ⁶

Donors

To help create American Journalism Project in February 2019, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced a $10 million donation and commitment for another $10 million over the following five years to continue operations. ¹

In July 2023, the technology company OpenAI announced a $5 million direct contribution to AJP and another $5 million in company credits. AJP CEO Sarabeth Berman stated that the credits are to encourage the use of OpenAI’s artificial intelligence technology by AJPs grantees. ⁷

Leadership

Sarabeth Berman is the CEO of American Journalism Project. Previously, Berman worked as the global head of public affairs at Teach for All and before that, as a founder of Teach for China. She also managed a dance company in China. ⁸

Financials

According to its tax returns, American Journalism Project reported $12.8 million in total expenses in 2021, $8.2 million of which were distributed as grants and $3.0 million of which were spent on salaries and employee compensation. ⁹ Also, it reported receiving $25.1 million in total revenue, including $24.7 million in contributions and $303,000 in program service revenue. ¹⁰

At the end of 2021, AJP reported having $31.0 million in total assets. ¹¹