Transformational Grant Boosts Chicago Reader
Chicago, Dec 12, 2024 – The MacArthur Foundation made a game-changing announcement on Thursday, awarding the Reader Institute for Community Journalism (RICJ) a substantial $350,000 grant. This grant aims to bolster the operations of the Chicago Reader and enhance its political and cultural coverage of the Chicago area.
Gratitude and Growth
In response to this transformative grant, Solomon Lieberman, the CEO of RICJ, expressed profound gratitude, stating, “We can’t thank the MacArthur team enough for making a ‘big bet’ on the Reader.” Lieberman emphasized the vital role of sustained, multiyear support for young nonprofits like RICJ, highlighting the critical nature of this funding as they strive to expand their newsroom and elevate their community-driven coverage of arts and culture across the city.
Foundation’s Local News Program
The MacArthur Foundation’s Local News Program, initiated last year, has committed a minimum of $150 million in new grantmaking to local news over a five-year period, with the potential for an additional $25 million in impact investments. With this recent round of grants, the total amount committed thus far exceeds $90 million.
Impact on Chicago Community
RICJ stands out as one of the six newsrooms selected for grants in this cycle, serving as the sole Chicago-based recipient. The grants also extended to journalism service organizations and collaborative research entities. Furthermore, a noteworthy $3.3 million will be allocated to the Chicago Community Trust through Press Forward Chicago, aligning with MacArthur’s broader national initiative to fortify communities and democracy by bolstering local news and information sources.
Continued Access to Chicago Reader
For over 50 years, the Chicago Reader has served as a bold, innovative, and nationally recognized media outlet in Chicago, offering weekly print editions and daily online coverage. Widely distributed, the print copies of the Chicago Reader can be found in more than 1,100 locations throughout the city, while digital content is readily accessible on chicagoreader.com.
Contact Information
For media inquiries, please reach out to Chasity Cooper, Director of Marketing, at ccooper@chicagoreader.com.
In conclusion, the generous grant from the MacArthur Foundation represents a significant milestone for the Chicago Reader and RICJ, paving the way for enhanced journalistic endeavors and community engagement in the vibrant city of Chicago.
