Evaluation of Ford Foundation’s Creativity and Free Expression Journalism Strategy
Ford Foundation’s Creativity and Free Expression Journalism Program: A Path to Equity and Justice
The Ford Foundation’s Creativity and Free Expression (CFE) program has been at the forefront of investing in creative organizations and storytellers who are working towards a more inclusive and just world. One of the key areas of focus for the CFE program is journalism, recognizing the power of storytelling in shaping narratives and driving social change.
Historically, certain communities have been marginalized and underserved by mainstream media outlets, including women, people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ communities, and underserved rural communities. The Ford Foundation’s journalism strategy aims to address this imbalance by supporting organizations and initiatives that amplify the voices of these communities.
Through a series of evaluations conducted by Impact Architects, the foundation is assessing the impact of its journalism strategy and its alignment with the evolving needs of the field. The evaluation report highlights the importance of diversity in leadership within journalism organizations, as well as the need for more equitable representation of underserved communities in media coverage.
Over the past five years, the Ford Foundation has made significant investments in the journalism sector, totaling $57.5 million in grants to 110 organizations. This grantmaking strategy includes direct support for journalism organizations and leaders, as well as field-building activities such as convenings, research, and collaborative funding initiatives.
One of the key findings from the evaluation report is the positive impact of Ford’s funding on the growth of the equitable journalism sector. By supporting organizations led by individuals from underserved communities, Ford is helping to diversify the field of journalism and amplify the voices of marginalized groups.
Furthermore, the report highlights the “halo” effect of Ford funding, where grantees receive increased attention and additional funding as a result of their association with the foundation. Collaborative funding initiatives, such as the Racial Equity in Journalism Fund, have also generated new support for journalism organizations aligned with Ford’s goals and brought in donors from outside the traditional journalism sector.
Overall, the Ford Foundation’s Creativity and Free Expression journalism program is making significant strides towards creating a more equitable and just media landscape. By investing in diverse voices and supporting organizations that prioritize social justice and equity, Ford is helping to shape a more inclusive and representative journalism industry.