FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT Justin Silverman | 774.244.2365 | justin@nefac.org
The New England First Amendment Coalition is pleased to announce a $45,000 grant from the Barr Foundation in Boston to help strengthen journalism and protect freedom of the press.
“The Barr Foundation’s generosity will allow us to improve and expand our educational programming,” said Justin Silverman, NEFAC’s executive director. “These are challenging times for journalists and the public’s right to know. This grant will help NEFAC continue to be a leading advocate for the First Amendment and journalists throughout New England.”
The foundation identified NEFAC as one of seven organizations focused on strengthening quality investigative work and protections for freedom of the press. Other grant recipients include the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, ProPublica and the Center for Investigative Reporting. The Barr Foundation grant is to provide core support and will be payable over 36 months.
“In today’s environment, investing in quality journalism and strengthening efforts to protect the press and defend the First Amendment is as vital as ever,” said James E. Canales, the Barr Foundation’s president, in a statement announcing the grants. “A free press stands as one of the cornerstones of American democracy, and it remains essential to educating the public and holding the powerful to account.”
The Barr Foundation focuses regionally, and selectively engages nationally, working in partnership with nonprofits, foundations, the public sector, and civic and business leaders to elevate the arts and creative expression, to advance solutions for climate change, and to connect all students to success in high school and beyond. With assets of $1.6 billion, the Barr Foundation is among the largest private foundations in New England and has contributed more than $834 million to charitable causes since 1999.
NEFAC was formed in 2006 to advance and protect the Five Freedoms of the First Amendment, including the principle of the public’s right to know. We’re a broad-based organization of people who believe in the power of an informed democratic society. Our members include lawyers, journalists, historians, academics and private citizens.
Our coalition is funded through contributions made by those who value the First Amendment and who strive to keep government accountable. Donations can be made here.
Major Supporters of NEFAC for this year include the Barr Foundation, The Providence Journal Charitable Legacy Fund, The Robertson Foundation, Lois Howe McClure, The Boston Globe and Boston University. Celebration Supporters include The Hartford Courant and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.