Gannett Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do we apply for a community grant?
• How do we know if our organization is in a Gannett-served community?
• When are the deadlines?
• What are the Foundation's funding interests and how can I view the Foundation's 990 PF?
• Do we need to submit our IRS exemption letter?
• If we apply, when can we expect an answer?
• Do you accept applications online?
• Does the Foundation fund events?
• Does the Foundation make grants to individuals?
• Are scholarships offered?
• What is the best way to recognize the Foundation's support?
• Do you have electronic files of the logo?
• Who do we contact for additional information or special inquiries?
• Our program is national in scope but our offices are in a Gannett community. Are we eligible?
• Gannett is a media company. Are there grant opportunities for industry-related programs?
• Does the Foundation have a matching gift program?

How do we apply for a community grant?
Once you have determined geographic eligibility, complete the application form, append the proposal, and send it to the newspaper publisher or TV station executive in your area. Click here for a list of Gannett newspapers and television stations by state.

How do we know if our organization is in a Gannett community?
Click here for a state-by-state listing of Gannett’s community newspapers and TV stations, addresses, phone numbers, email links and contact names.

When are the deadlines?
Please submit your proposal to the local contact at the daily newspaper or television station by the 15th of February and August to allow time for the local review process. Some localities may have earlier deadlines. An email to the newspaper or TV station contact person to ask about local deadline dates is recommended.

What are the Foundation’s funding interests and where can I view the Foundation's 990 PF?
About 60 percent of our community grants target grassroots organizations in the areas of social/human services, health and mental health, benefiting the most disadvantaged people in our communities. Our guidelines are general, designed to serve 100+ cities and towns. However, each operation has its own priorities in addition to the general guidelines. We recommend you check with the local contact person to see if your program is a "fit" with local funding preferences.

To view the Foundation's most current 990 PF, visit Guidestar's website at www.guidestar.com.

Do we need to submit our IRS exemption letter?
Yes. A good tip is to make several copies of your IRS letter and add one to each proposal you submit, making it the first attachment after the application form or cover letter.

Please note that if you have private foundation or private operating foundation status, or have other than Internal Revenue Code §501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, you are ineligible for a Gannett Foundation grant.

If we apply, when can we expect an answer?
Once you submit a proposal, a response will take about 90 days after the deadline date.

Do you accept applications online?
Not at this time, but we are looking into the possibility.

Does the Foundation fund events?
Occasionally, yes. Community festivals, parades, etc. are part of the fabric of our communities, and local newspapers and TV stations like to participate. Fundraising events are a separate issue. Rather than contribute funds to support event costs, the Foundation prefers to make contributions which provide direct program or operating support. There are also private foundation limitations regarding full tax deductibility and acceptance of free tickets, discounted admissions, and the like, which provide a tangible benefit to our employees and/or the company. These benefits cannot be accepted.

Does the Foundation make grants to individuals?
No. As a private foundation, we must make all grants to IRS code §501(c)(3) public charities.

Are scholarships offered?
The only scholarship program currently funded by the Foundation is the Madelyn P. Jennings Scholarship Program for children of Gannett employees. USA TODAY, a Gannett-owned newspaper, offers USA TODAY All-Academic Team recognition, which includes a cash award, to high school and college students. During the nomination period, students can go to our Web site, http://allstars.usatoday.com, go to the Academic Team program drop-down menu to be screened for eligibility before being directed to a PDF of the nomination form. Students must print out the form, fill it in and mail the completed nomination form to USA TODAY before the deadline. The Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year (SAMMY) recognizes outstanding scholar athletes in grade 12 from high schools throughout the continental United States. Judging is based on 4 criteria: academic performance (35%), athletic excellence (35%), leadership (15%) and community service (15%). Twenty-five regional winners will win a $7,500 college scholarship from Milk. Go to whymilk.com and click on the SAMMY link.

What is the best way to recognize the Foundation’s support?
Mention the grant in annual reports, programs, newsletters, or signage. In any public acknowledgment or signage, be sure to note that this grant is from the Gannett Foundation, not Gannett Co., Inc. You may also include the name of the Gannett operation (newspaper or broadcast station), i.e., "Gannett Foundation (or logo)/name of Gannett operation (or logo)." You should avoid acknowledging the newspaper or TV station’s name on a stand-alone basis; your support comes from the Foundation, which is a separate organization from Gannett Co., Inc.

Do you have electronic files of the logo?
The Gannett Foundation Logo can be used in either the horizontal or stacked version. Click on the version you'd like to download:

If you are having a problem with these files, e-mail Pat Lyle, foundation@gannett.com.

Whom do we contact for additional information or special inquiries?
Email us with your inquiry at foundation@gannett.com. Foundation email is checked regularly and you will receive a response usually within two working days.

Our program is national in scope but our offices are in a Gannett community. Are we eligible?
Not usually. We fund no national or regional organizations at the community grant level. If your organization has a program or project which benefits only the local community, feel free to inquire.

Gannett is a media company. Are there grant opportunities for industry-related programs?
Yes. We have a fund directed toward media-related grants which focuses primarily on fostering and encouraging women, minorities and students in the field of journalism. These grants are highly competitive, few in number, and are submitted to Foundation headquarters in McLean, Va. We prefer a letter of inquiry in this area prior to a full proposal, via email. It is also recommended that you call us for discussion prior to submission. Please e-mail the Foundation manager at foundation@gannett.com.

Does the Foundation have a matching gift program?
Yes, it is called GannettMatch. Employees are encouraged to make personal contributions and take advantage of our 1:1 match program. Almost all IRS code §501(c)(3) organizations are eligible, with the exception of the United Way and organizations where the primary purpose is to promote a particular sectarian belief. Nonprofit groups are welcome to promote the Gannett employee matching gift program in their literature. To see our matching gift guidelines, please click here.