St. Petersburg, Fla. — Intent upon expanding its audience to all those interested in the value of journalism to a successful democracy, Poynter this month is turning to 16,000 alumni and friends with its annual appeal for support.
“Annual gifts will help us create a sustainable scholarship fund and provide essential training to as many journalism practitioners as possible and benefit the communities they serve,” said Ann W. Madsen, Poynter’s chief development officer.
She said the campaign would also help Poynter to update rapidly advancing technology, attract and retain distinguished faculty, provide programs to connect journalists and the public, and continue journalism training around the globe.
“Every gift does matter,” said Madsen. “And while the concept of philanthropy is still relatively new at Poynter, I am so proud to share that we are off to a strong start thanks to 100% giving this year by our full-time faculty and staff.”
Since 1975, Poynter has provided working journalists and teachers of journalism with training across all aspects of the profession. Today, the Institute is expanding its audience with programs for non-professional journalists, as well for as citizens anxious to better understand journalism and how its practitioners do their jobs.
A new annual leadership giving program called the President’s Circle has also generated significant support. In recognition of the year of its founding by Nelson Poynter, owner of the St. Petersburg Times, gifts of $1,975 or more qualify for recognition in this new giving circle. Donors to the President’s Circle are invited to become involved in the life of the Institute and benefit from social and intellectual engagement with Poynter’s leaders and faculty. Courtesies extended to each President’s Circle donor include a personalized, commemorative brick in the Institute’s courtyard as well as regular communications about Poynter’s programs, priorities, issues and events.
“Mr. Poynter’s visionary philanthropy created a gift that continues to help journalists, media leaders, educators and citizens in the interest of democracy,” Madsen said. “We hope others will follow his leadership and support Poynter with their contributions.”
For more information, contact the Office of Development at 727-553-4651 or online at www.Poynter.org/donate.
