The Inland Press Foundation has generously committed its entire endowment to the America’s Newspapers Foundation. This gift will further its mission of protecting and advancing local newspapers across the United States. Five representatives from the Inland Foundation board have joined the America’s Newspapers Foundation board.
This contribution represents a significant investment in the future of local journalism, reinforcing the role of newspapers as trusted voices in their communities.
“The Inland Foundation has a storied history of supporting its members and the industry, funding programming, research and best practices. The foundation’s leadership believes that this gift will help build on the critical role of local journalism in towns and cities across the nation,” said Tom Slaughter, Inland’s executive director.
David Holgate, president of the Inland Foundation, said that “Inland’s mission has always been to better serve local journalism through involvement and gifts. As changes have occurred to local journalism, Inland is proud to announce the gift we have bestowed to America’s Newspapers Foundation and look forward to continuing our legacy.”
Chris Reen, president of the America’s Newspapers Foundation board, emphasized the impact of this commitment. “The Inland Press Foundation, and the Inland Press Association before it, have long recognized the need to invest in the future of our industry. This commitment of the Inland endowment to the America’s Newspapers Foundation is a powerful statement of our shared commitment to ensuring that local newspapers continue to thrive and grow. With this funding, we will be able to expand our educational initiatives, support emerging leaders, and develop strategies that sustain the crucial role of local journalism.”
“We are incredibly grateful to the Inland Press Foundation for this transformative gift,” said Dean Ridings, CEO of America’s Newspapers. “Newspapers are the fabric of their communities, and their role in providing trusted news, accountability and connection has never been more important. This generous support will enhance our ability to advance the programs that are important to newspapers across the country.”
Inland’s gift will help fund several key initiatives, including expanding the reach of the America’s Newspapers Foundation’s Executive Development Program, which provides essential resources to develop future leaders in local journalism. Additionally, the funds will help launch innovative programs designed to drive community engagement, increase local revenue opportunities and accelerate the digital transformation of local newsrooms.
The Inland Press Foundation and the Inland Press Association, have a rich legacy of supporting newspaper professionals, providing educational programs, grants and scholarships aimed at enhancing the business models of newspapers. Their dedication to the industry underscores the foundation's deep belief in the value of local journalism. The Inland Press Foundation board was instrumental in the formation of the Executive Development Program, and the Inland name will live on in this important program, and others.
For more information on this gift and the work of America’s Newspapers Foundation, visit newspapersfoundation.org.
About the Inland Press Foundation:
The Inland Press Foundation is the philanthropic foundation of the Inland Press Association, which merged with the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association to form America’s Newspapers in 2019. With a long history of providing resources, education and support for newspapers across the country, the foundation plays a essential role in advancing the industry and ensuring its sustainability.
About America’s Newspapers Foundation:
The America’s Newspapers Foundation is committed to supporting local newspapers by providing the tools, resources and advocacy needed to champion and advance local journalism. Through research, education, industry collaboration and strategic initiatives, the foundation helps newspapers navigate challenges, adopt innovative practices and thrive in a changing media landscape. Its goal is to safeguard the future of local journalism by empowering newspapers to continue their vital role in informing, engaging and connecting communities across the nation.
