TEGNA Foundation helps to improves lives in the communities served by TEGNA Inc. and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions


How do we apply for a Community Grant?
Once you have determined geographic eligibility, complete the application form, append the proposal, and send it to the TV station executive in your area. Click here for a list of TEGNA television stations by state.

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How do we know if our organization is in a TEGNA community?
Click here for a state-by-state listing of TEGNA’s TV stations, addresses, phone numbers, email links and contact names.

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When are the deadlines?
In the U.S., submit your proposal to the local contact at the television station. Click here for community grant guidelines and deadlines. Some locations have earlier deadlines, and they are listed in the Grant Contact list. Click here for specific guidelines in your area.

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What are the Foundation’s funding interests?
About 80 percent of our community grants target grassroots organizations in the areas of social/human services, health and mental health, benefiting the most disadvantaged people in our communities.

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Do we need to submit our IRS exemption letter?
Yes.  A good tip is to make several copies of your IRS letter and add one to any proposal you submit, making it the first attachment after the application form.  

Please note that if you have private foundation or private operating foundation status, or have other than Internal Revenue Code §501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, you are ineligible for a TEGNA Foundation grant.

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If we apply, when can we expect an answer?
Once you submit a proposal, a response will take about 90–120 days after the deadline date.

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Do you accept applications online?
Not at this time, but we are looking into the possibility.

Does the Foundation fund events?
Occasionally, yes. Community festivals, parades, etc. are part of the fabric of our communities, and local TV stations like to participate. Fundraising events are a separate issue. Rather than contribute funds to support event costs, the Foundation prefers to make contributions which provide direct program or operating support. There are also private foundation limitations regarding full tax deductibility and acceptance of free tickets, discounted admissions, and the like, which provide a tangible benefit to our employees and/or the company. These benefits cannot be accepted.  

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Does the Foundation make grants to individuals?
No. As a private foundation, we must make all grants to IRS code §501(c)(3) public charities.

Are scholarships offered?
A scholarship program administered by TEGNA Foundation is the Madelyn P. Jennings Scholarship Program for children of TEGNA employees.

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What is the best way to recognize the Foundation’s support?
Mention the grant in annual reports, programs, newsletters, or signage. In any public acknowledgment or signage, be sure to note that this grant is from the TEGNA Foundation, not TEGNA Inc.  You may also include the name of the TEGNA operation (broadcast station), i.e., "TEGNA Foundation (or logo)/name of TEGNA operation (or logo)." You should avoid acknowledging the TV station’s name on a stand-alone basis; your support comes from the Foundation, which is a separate organization from TEGNA Inc.

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Do you have electronic files of the logo?
The TEGNA Foundation Logo can be used in either the horizontal or stacked version. Click on the version you'd like to download: 

TEGNA Foundation Horizontal Logo     TEGNA Foundation Stacked Logo

If you are having a problem with these files, email Meg Kennedy, foundation@tegna.com.

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Whom do we contact for additional information or special inquiries?
Email us with your inquiry at foundation@tegna.com. Foundation email is checked regularly and you will receive a response usually within two working days.

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Our program is national in scope but our offices are in a TEGNA community. Are we eligible?
Not usually. We fund no national or regional organizations in the Community Grant program. If your organization has a program or project which benefits only the local community, feel free to apply.

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TEGNA is a media company. Are there grant opportunities for industry-related programs?
Yes. We have a fund directed toward media-related grants which focuses primarily on fostering and encouraging women, minorities and students in the field of journalism. These grants are highly competitive, few in number, and are submitted to Foundation headquarters in Tysons, Va.

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Does the Foundation have a matching gift program?
Yes, TEGNA Foundation has an employee Give & Volunteer program. Employees are encouraged to make personal contributions and take advantage of our 1:1 match program. Almost all IRS code §501(c)(3) organizations are eligible, with the exception of the United Way and organizations where the primary purpose is to promote a particular sectarian belief. Nonprofit groups are welcome to promote the TEGNA employee matching gift program in their literature. For questions and more information, please email foundation@tegna.com.

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