OVERVIEW: The Independence Media Foundation supports public media, journalism, digital literacy, creative expression, and building communities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
FUNDING AREAS: Public media, journalism, digital literacy, creative expression, building communities
IP TAKE: This is a new foundation in a time of transition, but one that is addressing an important niche in Philadelphia that local nonprofits will appreciate.
PROFILE: The Independence Media Foundation (IMF) is a public broadcasting-affiliated foundation based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established in 1981, Independence Public Media of Philadelphia has pursued a fresh approach to public media and is transitioning from a public broadcaster to a foundation. In 2017, the organization relinquished its broadcasting license in the FCC Broadcast Incentive Auction and began pursuing philanthropic interests with the $131.5 million payment it received from that agreement. It has nine board members and has been recruiting new board and staff members. The foundation aims to fund and support “media and related-programs that strengthen and connect diverse voices and foster greater understanding across communities in Greater Philadelphia.” IMF funds local efforts for public media, journalism, digital literacy, creative expression, and building communities.
The Independence Media Foundation is interested in creating and sharing information, stories, and ideas that improve Philadelphia communities. IMF announced its launch of grantmaking programs during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019 and has an annual grantmaking budget of about $5 million to $6 million. Overall, the funder defines media broadly and engages in community listening and engagement to shape its strategic goals.
Grants range between about $100,000 and $1 million. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on the Greater Philadelphia region of Pennsylvania. Past local grantees include Digital Literacy Alliance, Lenfest Institute for Journalism, and Scribe Video Center.
At the time this profile was written, this foundation was not accepting unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. Direct general questions to the staff at info@independencemedia.org or 215-483-3900.
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