WASHINGTON, D.C.  -- The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is proud to announce the Democracy Fund has awarded NABJ a $200,000 grant to help NABJ build staffing capacity in its national office, furthering the implementation of the NABJ Strategic Plan 2017-2020.

 

The two-year restricted grant is targeted for staffing and allows NABJ's to continue successful execution of its mission to support journalists of color. The association's priorities include jobs for journalists of color, professional development, social justice and advocacy.  

 

"It's a true honor to be partnering with the Democracy Fund," said NABJ President Sarah Glover. "As the media industry faces threats. Organizations like NABJ are needed to give a voice to black journalists and minority communities too often overlooked. This significant grant from the Democracy Fund helps NABJ meets those challenges head on, empowers our work, and strengthens our organizational capacity and trajectory for growth."

 

The Democracy Fund is a bipartisan foundation created by eBay founder and philanthropist Pierre Omidyar to help ensure that our political system can withstand new challenges and deliver on its promise to the American people. Since 2011, Democracy Fund has invested more than $70 million in support of a healthy democracy, including modern elections, effective governance, and a vibrant public square.

 

"Democracy Fund is excited to support NABJ in their programing and advocacy activities to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in journalism," said Paul Waters, senior associate for the Public Square at Democracy Fund. 

 

"Sarah Glover and Drew Berry, NABJ's former executive consultant, have led the organization well through this period of transition and have created a strong foundation for Sharon Toomer, NABJ's excellent new executive director. We are also particularly proud of NABJ's leadership role in hosting innovative groups like the Maynard Institute and Ida B. Wells Society at their annual conference." 

 

"I'm so proud of NABJ's hard work these past two years that leads us to this moment. NABJ is appreciative of this generous support from the Democracy Fund. This grant will make a tremendous and immediate impact," Glover said. 

 

President Glover created the NABJ Strategic Plan Implementation Committee, led by NABJ Founder William Dilday, to assist the organization with activating its five pillars -- Financial and Organizational Sustainability, NABJ Jobs, Training and Professional Development, Advocacy, and Special Projects: Convention City Site Selections. The committee is tasked to present working recommendations to the NABJ board and staff and to provide quarterly assessments of the association's progress. The Democracy Fund grant will assist NABJ with ensuring the strategic plan propels forward and specifically its national office operations are sound.