Online Letter of Inquiry
As a national foundation with local roots, we seek opportunities that can transform both communities and journalism, and help them reach their highest potential. We believe nothing big happens without a big idea, nothing new without a new idea. In every project we fund, the idea comes first. Here are five basics components we are looking for in your ideas:
- Discovery of the facts.
- The vision to see what's possible.
- The courage to push for change.
- The know-how to get it done.
- The tenacity that gets results.
If you believe your grant opportunity fits these criteria, we want to hear from you.
1. Find out if you are eligible (optional)
To understand our grant-making strategy, answer these easy yes/no questions. The results will help you make an informed decision about submitting an inquiry. This step just takes a minute.
2. Complete an inquiry
Click here for an idea of what we would like to see in your letter of inquiry. To submit your inquiry, please click below.
 The inquiry letter is an online form that cannot be saved
prior to being submitted to Knight Foundation. We recommend
that you work on your inquiry offline, then paste the information
into the form. |
3. Wait for a response
We will contact you within three months regarding your inquiry. If your organization is eligible and your request fits within our priorities, and if we think your inquiry can be developed into a full proposal, we will invite you to submit one. The entire process from submitting an online inquiry to receiving a grant can take four to six months. If you have further questions, please visit our FAQ page.
Some reminders…
- This letter of inquiry is the first stage of our process. If invited, the second stage will involve completing a full proposal. By completing and submitting that document you will give your organization's permission to Knight to ask people who are not members of the foundation's staff to review the proposal and to give advice and information to the foundation about your organization, board, staff and others with whom you are affiliated.
- Materials submitted in the proposal process become the property of Knight Foundation and won't be returned; they'll be used as the foundation deems appropriate. They are not subject to any right of confidentiality unless specifically agreed to in writing by Knight Foundation.
- Knight Foundation is under no obligation to fund or otherwise have a future relationship with the applicant. If it does choose to have a relationship, Knight Foundation may suggest various kinds of relationships, including contracts, grants, loans, program-related investments, or other kinds of investments and relationships.