The grant supports RNS efforts to strengthen and broaden its work, expand its audience, increase revenue and improve key aspects of its operations.
Religion News Foundation (RNF) today announced the receipt of a two-year operating grant of $4,087,800 from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support the work of Religion News Service (RNS), a wholly owned subsidiary of RNF, and build additional RNF/S capacity.
The grant supports RNS efforts to strengthen and broaden its editorial work, expand and diversify its audience, increase revenue through multiple streams and improve key aspects of its operations. This grant helps reinforce RNS’s unique role in nonprofit journalism as it continues to find new opportunities amidst change in the journalism sector.
“Our thanks to Lilly Endowment for its continued support of RNF/S. This grant is key to RNS continuing to produce high-quality journalism and expand its coverage. It also is key to helping RNS fulfill its mission to be the most trusted resource for news, features and commentary on religion and spirituality, where people come together to understand each other’s beliefs,” said Deborah Caldwell, CEO and Publisher of RNF/S.
RNS seeks to drive the conversation about the myriad ways religion shapes our lives by reporting objectively, accurately, sensitively and in depth on religion and how it manifests in the world.
“RNS has led the way in covering some of the most significant issues impacting our world, remaining one of the few media outlets that provide in-depth, long-term coverage of issues including Christian nationalism, spiritual and religious innovation, key public policy concerns and the fracturing of congregations. RNS’s achievements are possible because of the support of Lilly Endowment and a dedicated board and staff,” said Paul O’Donnell, RNS’s Editor-in-Chief.
About Religion News Foundation
Religion News Foundation (RNF) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1999. Its purpose is to enhance understanding and drive conversation about religion, and support independent journalism that produces these stories. RNF views religion as an evolving landscape that spans belief and non-belief; long-established communities and emerging spiritual innovators; communal practices and customs; and individual searches for meaning.
About Religion News Service
Religion News Service (RNS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of RNF. It is an independent, nonprofit source of global news on religion, spirituality, culture and ethics, reported by a staff of professional journalists. Founded in 1934, RNS informs readers with objective reporting and insightful commentary. It does not endorse or promote any particular belief system or point of view. RNS is relied upon by readers, listeners and viewers in the United States and around the world. Visit ReligionNews.com.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. A principal aim of the Endowment’s religion grantmaking is to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States, primarily by seeking out and supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen the pastoral and lay leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment also seeks to improve public understanding of diverse religious traditions by supporting fair and accurate portrayals of the role religion plays in the United States and across the globe.
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