Texas Tribune Pulls In $750,000 In Grant Money

The Texas Tribune, a high-profile journalism startup, has received $750,000 in grant money from a pair of foundations.

Operating as a non-profit entity, the Tribune's stated mission is "to promote civic engagement and discourse on the public policy, politics, government, and other matters of statewide interest." Chairman John Thornton has signed up several prominent media members, including CEO Evan Smith, the former president and editor of Texas Monthly, and Texas Weekly editor Ross Ramsey.

Private foundation Houston Endowment contributed $500,000, while the Knight Foundation donated $250,000.

“Philanthropy has a role to play in funding ambitious public interest journalism,” Smith said. “These generous gifts will help the Tribune achieve our mission of promoting civic engagement and informed discourse through ambitious news reporting."

The Texas Tribune is scheduled to launch in November.

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