International Women's Media Foundation Secures $200K Grant to Enhance Journalism Safety

IWMF Receives $200K Grant from Knight Foundation

In a significant boost for journalism safety, the International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF) has announced a generous grant of $200,000 from the Knight Foundation. This funding aims to expand the foundation’s crucial safety initiatives for journalists in the United States. As press freedom faces severe challenges, this grant symbolizes a commitment to safeguarding reporters in their line of work.

The funds will specifically support the IWMF's Newsroom Safety Across America (NSAA) initiative. Launched in February 2024, this program is designed to address the increasing dangers facing journalists nationwide by providing essential training and building capacity within newsrooms. To date, NSAA has already trained over 1,300 journalists across 20 states, and this latest funding will allow for the training of an additional 600 journalists by 2026. Furthermore, it will facilitate the development of eight safety experts embedded within Knight Foundation communities to ensure local, sustained support for newsrooms.

"Journalists who feel safe and supported, online and in the field, are better able to focus on telling stories that shape our daily lives," remarked Marisa Kwiatkowski, the director of journalism at the Knight Foundation. This initiative aims to empower journalists across the country by providing them with the resources necessary to effectively serve their local communities.

According to a recent post-training survey, a remarkable 89% of respondents indicated that the NSAA program was significantly relevant to their work. This high level of satisfaction underscores the need for a comprehensive national safety infrastructure that can be readily accessed by all journalists. Alongside the Knight Foundation's support, the IWMF also secured a $1.5 million grant from Press Forward to train an additional 3,000 journalists over the next three years. This funding will also help establish regional safety ambassadors who can further bolster local newsroom support.

Dale Anglin, Executive Director of Press Forward, emphasized the pressing need for effective journalism safety training amidst contemporary challenges: "As press freedom faces new pressures in the U.S., there is a tremendous need for both journalism safety trainings and safety trainers who understand the real-life, on-the-ground scenarios reporters experience."

Having started its Hostile Environment and First Aid Training (HEFAT) program internationally over a decade ago, the IWMF has been proactive in extending its safety programming to the U.S. since 2020. This shift was prompted by a recognition of the escalating threats faced by journalists, highlighting the organization's pivotal role as a leading provider of journalism safety training nationally.

Kathy Im, Director of Journalism and Media at the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, also shared her insights on the importance of journalist safety: "Journalists are frontline witnesses to history; ensuring their safety is paramount. The IWMF's holistic approach to journalist safety, covering physical, emotional, and digital aspects, is vital in keeping reporters in the field."

The IWMF is also notable for identifying the rising threat of online violence against journalists early on, with Craig Newmark Philanthropies contributing over $1 million since 2020 to mitigate online abuse. Initiatives like the Coalition Against Online Violence and the Online Violence Response Hub have been launched as part of this ongoing commitment to bolster journalist safety.

More broadly, the IWMF's safety programs in the U.S. are supported by other significant contributors, including the Ford Foundation and the Democracy Fund. For those interested in learning more about the IWMF's safety initiatives, including research, resources, online courses, and training inquiries, further information is available on their website: IWMF Safety.

In conclusion, with press freedom increasingly under threat, the IWMF’s initiatives are more vital than ever. The support from the Knight Foundation and other benefactors not only elevates the safety and well-being of journalists but also ensures that they can continue to provide critical reporting that informs and shapes public discourse.