Foundations Commit $37M to Support US Public Media After Federal Cuts

In response to President Donald Trump's rescission of $1.1 billion in federal funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, several major philanthropic organizations have pledged nearly $50 million to support public media stations. Key contributors include the Knight Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, Schmidt Family Foundation, Pivotal Ventures, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, with about $37 million earmarked for immediate relief efforts. These funds aim to sustain independent local public radio and TV stations, especially those in rural and underserved communities facing severe financial risks due to the cuts. Public Media Company is managing the Public Media Bridge Fund, which will provide grants, low-interest loans, and advisory services to at-risk stations, with a goal to raise $100 million over two years. The MacArthur Foundation is also committing $10 million in direct support to public media programs and organizations. This philanthropic intervention seeks to stabilize and sustain public media outlets that have been critical sources of trusted news and community connection amid federal funding withdrawals.