ABSTRACT
Foundations have a long and growing relationship with journalism, especially in the US. With their public-service missions, foundations support journalism directly, because of what it does, rather than indirectly, as a way of promoting their own messages, as advertisers do. Still, a range of concerns mean this relationship warrants a second look. Some foundations have hidden agendas, and it can be hard for even the most sophisticated audience members to shine a light on these. Foundations also exert influence on the field of news as a whole. Ultimately, they may undercut more radical arguments about the role that government money has to play in the news industry. In other words, foundations aren’t merely replacing lost advertising revenue; instead, while foundation funding of journalism alleviates some of the challenges brought on by a failing business model, it brings about a range of new influences and challenges.
