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Feb. 26, 2008 Knight Foundation extends matching grant for IRE Endowment Fund IRE's endowment drive received a tremendous boost recently when the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation offered to extend its matching program through Sept. 30. As part of a $2 million grant - the largest in IRE's history - the foundation offered to provide partial matching money for up to $1 million raise by IRE for its endowment fund. For every $2 raised by IRE, Knight would provide an additional $1. The drive was scheduled to end Dec. 31. We made a major push to raise as much as we could by that deadline. Through the dedication of a number of major donors, plus the involvement of more than 350 members who raised $85,000 through our $25 club alone, we took in a little more than $700,000. Because of that strong show of support and a belief in IRE's mission, the Knight Foundation decided in February to extend our deadline for a short period so we could take advantage of the full matching program. The goal is within our reach, and the math is simple: We need to raise about $300,000 in the next seven months. If we do, we'll get another $150,000 from the foundation. All of this money will go into our endowment, which provides the bedrock that will allow IRE to thrive for years to come. We greatly appreciate the support of everyone who has donated to date. What this deadline extension will allow us to do is complete several fundraising efforts that were under way when the deadline passed. So join us on this final effort to take advantage of the Knight Foundation matching program, and help ensure that IRE will be helping journalists for years to come. IRE seeks the aid of all audiences that value quality investigative journalism and recognize its importance in keeping the public informed and governments, businesses and individuals accountable. To make a donation in support of IRE's future, please visit our Breakthroughs Web page, where you may learn more about the IRE endowment drive, download a donation form or donate on-line with a credit card: www.ire.org/endowment Also, if you have ideas for fundraising in your newsroom or region, please contact IRE development officer Jennifer Erickson at jennifer@ire.org or 573-884-2222. Jennifer is also available to answer questions about the endowment drive, the $25 Club and related inquiries. IRE is a nonprofit educational and professional organization of more than 4,000 journalists working to foster excellence in journalism. Founded in 1975, IRE provides extensive training and resources through seminars, publications and a thriving Web site: www.ire.org. IRE also runs the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting, a joint program of IRE and the Missouri School of Journalism. IRE has its offices at the University of Missouri. |