As media leaders, Knight Foundation's founders Jack and Jim Knight sought to bring communities together through information. In their publications, they delivered the news that helped people determine their "own true interests," as Jack used to say.
Today, Knight Foundation is also focused on that ideal. Working with community innovators, Knight Foundation fosters informed and engaged communities. The foundation believes residents should have the information they need to make decisions about their lives and community. Knight strives for those residents to be highly engaged in the issues and opportunities that matter most to them and their neighbors.
Towards its goal of informed, engaged communities, Knight Foundation seeks out projects with the potential for transformational change.
In 2010 Knight Foundation announced a partnership with community foundations in the cities and towns where the Knight brothers owned newspapers.
Grant seekers in the Tallahassee area should inquire about funding by contacting Joy Watkins at The Community Foundaton of North Florida, 850-222-2899, and asking about Knight Foundation's Donor-advised Fund.
The 2009 Soul of the Community Survey explores the link between residents' emotional ties to where they live and the community's economic growth. Three main factors bind residents to the capitol area. Social offerings (fun places to gather), and openness (how welcoming a place is) are the two dominant factors. This year, basic services (community infrastructure) was also an important element, inching ahead of the community’s aesthetics (physical beauty).
See survey details for Tallahassee at http://www.soulofthecommunity.org/tallahassee .