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Scripps Howard Fund and Foundation Donate $9.8 Million in 2024

In an inspiring move that highlights their commitment to community well-being and journalism, the Scripps Howard Fund and the Scripps Howard Foundation announced a remarkable $9.8 million in charitable gifts for the year 2024. This represents nearly a 10% increase from the previous year and underscores the organization’s dedication to supporting initiatives that benefit local communities and enhance the landscape of journalism across the nation.

Commitment to Community Support

The Scripps Howard Fund and Foundation are integral to the ethos of The E.W. Scripps Company, ensuring that resources reach the communities they operate in while extending their impact to a broader audience through journalism programs. Meredith Delaney, the president and CEO of both entities, articulated the vision behind this funding: "Together with our partners, we continually find new ways to serve our communities and support the evolving landscape of journalism." Their approach centers on collaboration, aiming to foster opportunities and brighter futures for young people through literacy initiatives and community services.

Key Highlights of 2024 Giving
During the year, the Fund allocated $2.5 million to directly benefit the communities served by The E.W. Scripps Company. This included various initiatives where Scripps-owned local television stations and other Scripps Networks conducted an impressive 77 fundraising campaigns, drawing nearly 6,500 donations to support over 110 local charities. A significant highlight was the collaborative efforts during hurricane relief, where fundraisers raised $289,000 for local non-profits aiding those in need.

Advancing Journalism Education

Education in journalism also received a substantial boost in 2024, with $1.6 million dedicated to this crucial area. The Scripps Howard Journalism Awards recognized excellence within the field, awarding $170,000 across various categories which spotlighted exceptional investigative work and storytelling. Additionally, 21 paid internships offered students invaluable newsroom experiences, fostering the next generation of journalists.
Partnering with institutions such as the University of Southern California's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, the Fund introduced innovative programs emphasizing open-source investigative journalism. Another notable collaboration with the University of Memphis further established open-source initiatives within its Institute for Public Service Reporting.

Enhancing Childhood Literacy

A record-breaking $1.5 million was invested in childhood literacy through the annual "If You Give a Child a Book..." campaign. This initiative provided an astounding 255,000 new books to 34,000 children at low-income schools across the United States, illustrating the Fund's commitment to nurturing young minds. A landmark achievement was reached in Clay County, Kentucky, which became the first school district to ensure all its elementary schools were recipients of this book support, allowing nearly 1,700 students access to 14,850 new books of their own choosing.

Foundation's Contributions to Journalism

The Scripps Howard Foundation also played a pivotal role in advancing journalism education with a staggering $4.2 million investment. A cornerstone of this initiative was the establishment of the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center at the University of Southern Mississippi, which will receive $1 million annually for three years. This center is designed to amplify marginalized voices within communities and combat misinformation, ultimately supporting the production of meaningful journalism. The Foundation also provided significant funding to the Howard Centers for Investigative Journalism at prestigious institutions such as the University of Maryland and Arizona State University.

Conclusion

The efforts of the Scripps Howard Fund and Foundation in 2024 exemplify a commendable commitment to enhancing community well-being and promoting robust journalism education. Through targeted funding and strategic partnerships, these organizations continue to make a lasting impact, reflecting the profound power of philanthropy in fostering informed communities. By advancing literacy, supporting journalism, and uplifting local charities, the Scripps Howard Fund and Foundation drive initiatives that build healthier, more engaged societies.