At the end of 2010, we announced our final round of grantmaking for the year: $1.4 million in grants to 30 organizations. This most recent round of grants included new grantee NJ Spotlight, an important online news service for all New Jerseyans.
Media is becoming an even more important focus of our grantmaking, as the issues we care most about depend on an informed, thorough and independent press corps. In 2010, we supported a range of news organizations, from the major national platforms, like National Public Radio and Grist, to the important regional voices, including WNYC and New Jersey Network. We also supported some hyper-local outlets, such as WBJB FM, for their coverage of local arts events in the shore region. We’re pleased to add NJ Spotlight to our growing group of Media grantees.
Co-founded by highly respected journalists and veteran Star-Ledger reporters John Mooney and Tom Johnson, NJ Spotlight has quickly become the place to go for thoughtful and in-depth commentary, investigation, and reporting on key policy issues impacting education, the environment and healthcare in New Jersey.
In addition to their daily coverage of issues, they offer a valuable School Report Card database as well as comprehensive, but easily digestible state budget information.
If you aren’t familiar yet with NJ Spotlight, we recommend you add it to your daily news gathering.
NJ Spotlight website (don’t miss their often eye-popping “Number of the Day” feature)
NJ Spotlight on Twitter
NJ Spotlight on Facebook
For a full listing of the Dodge Foundation’s 2010 grants, please see our website.