Gift fuels FAC’s efforts to make governments at all levels more transparent and accountable to the people
The First Amendment Coalition is pleased to announce a $100,000 gift from Craig Newmark Philanthropies to boost the nonprofit’s work advancing government transparency, free speech and a free press.
The gift supports all of FAC’s programs, including training and advocacy for journalists, a free Legal Hotline for all, and strategic litigation to ensure government at all levels remains transparent and accountable. FAC’s recent legal battles have resulted in better press and public access to court proceedings — an important right under the First Amendment — and a precedent-setting ruling that ensures more police transparency across California.
“Access to public information and a strong press equipped to get it in the hands of the electorate are crucial for the health of democracy at all levels,” said Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies. “FAC works every day to provide these things, and thus to promote the broader project of civic engagement and meaningful government transparency.”
“This donation means we can continue to support local journalists in their crucial mission, including by fighting vigorously in courthouses and other halls of power to oppose government secrecy, making government more open and accountable to the people it serves,” said FAC Executive Director David Snyder. “We are grateful to Craig Newmark Philanthropies for the continued support for press freedoms and meaningful public participation in civic affairs — both so crucial right now.”
In addition to FAC’s advocacy in the courtroom, the organization last year served more than 700 constituents through its informational free Legal Hotline, open to all who have questions about their rights under the First Amendment or how to access public information. FAC also hosted more than a dozen live forums and hands-on workshops, serving journalists, lawyers, activists, organizers and others. Read more in our Impact Report.
About the First Amendment Coalition
FAC is a nonprofit that advances free speech, government transparency and public participation in civic affairs. FAC defends press freedom through its journalist Subpoena Defense Initiative and combats government secrecy through its strategic litigation program. Follow FAC on Twitter @FACoalition.
About Craig Newmark Philanthropies
Craig Newmark Philanthropies was created by craigslist founder Craig Newmark to support and connect people and drive broad civic engagement. The organization works to advance people and grassroots organizations that are getting stuff done in areas that include trustworthy journalism, voter protection, gender diversity in technology, and veterans and military families. For more information, please visit: CraigNewmarkPhilanthropies.org.
Contact
First Amendment Coalition
FAC@firstamendmentcoalition.org
Craig Newmark Philanthropies
press@craignewmarkphilanthropies.org
Friends of FAC! We are calling on our dedicated community of supporters to ensure we can meet the growing need for our work combatting government secrecy and standing up to threats to free speech and a free press. To meet this critical need, we have launched our first-ever $1 million annual fundraising campaign. Thanks to those of you who believe as strongly as we do in the importance of the First Amendment and public participation in civic affairs, we have already secured nearly $800,000 toward our goal! Will you be part of the FAC for All campaign and give today?