Inasmuch Foundation Announces Strategic Changes
OKLAHOMA CITY --- Inasmuch Foundation announced today a series of changes aligned with the Foundation’s strategic plan. The most significant change is the consolidation of Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation into Inasmuch Foundation.
Founded in 1982 by Edith Kinney Gaylord, the two Foundations collectively championed issues Edith cared deeply about: journalism, community, education and human services. Since their founding, the Foundations have been governed by one board and operated by one staff based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In 2015 the two corporate entities merged as Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Inasmuch Foundation.
Today’s announcement completes the consolidation of the two Foundations under one brand – Inasmuch Foundation. A refreshed logo and website will signify the new chapter of a singular Inasmuch Foundation.
“The Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation brand may be retired but our dedication to a free and thriving press is stronger than ever” said Bob Ross, Chairman and CEO of Inasmuch Foundation. “Through our recent strategic planning process, we listened to the community and are excited to continue and increase our commitment to journalism.”
As part of the consolidation, Inasmuch Foundation is launching an initiative aimed at strengthening central Oklahoma’s news and information ecosystem. At its January Board of Directors Meeting, the Foundation approved $1,235,000 in journalism grants, including $575,000 Oklahoma-focused grants to Oklahoma Watch, The Frontier, NonDoc, KGOU, and Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at University of Oklahoma. This marks the beginning of Inasmuch Foundation’s expanded scope into journalism.
In November 2019, the Foundation convened more than 25 local journalism organizations and 10 philanthropic partners for a day of facilitated discussion led by the Center for Cooperative Media. Stemming from the event, the Center for Cooperative Media funded five collaborative projects that will begin this spring. Inasmuch Foundation will continue to bring journalists and community members together, as well as provide resources to create a more informed and engaged public.
Outside Oklahoma, nonprofit investigative reporting will be Inasmuch Foundation’s primary journalism focus. Over the past decade, Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation provided over $20 million in grants to help grow nonprofit journalism from a few dozen organizations experimenting with new business models to an industry of 200-plus nonprofit news organizations spread across the country.
“Through the leadership of the Institute for Nonprofit News and Investigative Reporters and Editors, there is a wealth of nonprofit news organizations providing invaluable reporting to their readers” said Inasmuch Foundation Program Officer, Tyler Tokarczyk. “Inasmuch Foundation is committed to continuing to support ethics and excellence in journalism nationwide.”
The strategic plan also calls for convening community partners in the Foundation’s Oklahoma City-based focus areas to address complex issues. “The more we listened, the clearer it was our partners valued the Foundation’s ability to bring diverse groups of people and organizations together to chart a shared vision” said Inasmuch Foundation Senior Program Officer, Sarah Roberts. “Community initiatives are most successful when the private and public sector are aligned. Only working together will philanthropy, nonprofits and government achieve the changes we hope to see in our communities with education and human services.”
The final major component of the strategic plan is a recommitment to general operating grants. “We want to maximize the value we give the community and provide flexibility to transformational leaders” said Ross. “Aligning efforts through convening and providing general operating support do exactly that.”
The Foundation will continue to have an open application cycle each spring and fall. Each grant cycle will include grants in journalism, education, community and human services. To learn more about Inasmuch Foundation, it’s future plans, application deadlines or to apply for a grant, visit inasmuchFoundation.org.