Funding will support FOIAFest, the Watchdog Award and journalism training initiatives
The Chicago Headline Club Foundation has received an $80,000 grant from The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation to support the Chicago Headline Club’s ongoing efforts to strengthen journalism, government transparency and public accountability.
Over two years, the grant will help fund three cornerstone programs: FOIAFest, the nation’s leading conference dedicated to freedom of information and open government; the Headline Club’s annual Watchdog Award, which recognizes exceptional investigative journalism; and the FOIA Boot Camp, a four-month investigative reporting training and mentorship program for Chicago-area reporters.
“The Chicago Headline Club Foundation is deeply grateful for The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation’s continued partnership and investment in journalism,” said Molly McDonough, president of the CHC Foundation. “At a time when access to reliable information and accountability reporting are more important than ever, this support ensures we can continue training journalists, advancing government transparency and celebrating the watchdog reporting that serves the public interest.”
The funding continues The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation’s longstanding support of a shared mission to foster quality journalism and civic engagement.
“This grant helps ensure that journalists have the training, resources and community support they need to pursue meaningful reporting that informs the public and holds powerful institutions accountable,” said Jeff Arnold, president of the CHC Board. “We are grateful to The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation for its continued commitment to transparency, civic engagement and a strong local news ecosystem. Their support allows us to invest in both the future of journalism and the watchdog reporting that is essential to a healthy democracy.”
The grant will help ensure the continued success of Chicago Headline Club programming that equips journalists with critical skills, helps promote transparency and recognizes reporting that serves the public interest throughout Chicago and beyond.
About the Chicago Headline Club Foundation
The Chicago Headline Club Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to supporting responsible, ethical journalism through education and financial assistance. The Foundation funds professional, student and citizen journalism initiatives that strengthen the media’s role in democracy and public accountability.
About the Chicago Headline Club
The Chicago Headline Club is the nation’s largest chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, as well as an independent nonprofit dedicated to supporting journalists and promoting the values of a free press across the region. Founded in 1921, the Club champions freedom of information issues, offers professional training and support and hosts the annual Lisagor Awards. The Headline Club also supports SPJ’s mission to protect a free press and promote a well-informed citizenry.
About the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation
The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation is committed to enriching the lives of all Chicagoans by improving the built environment, cultivating a robust and diverse arts and culture ecosystem, and supporting investigative journalism that fosters transparency, accountability, and effective government. driehausfoundation.org.