Independence Public Media of Philadelphia is a private foundation based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, operating under the legal name Independence Public Media of Philadelphia Inc. (EIN: 22-2600747). The organization was established in 2019 following a significant transformation: in 2017, WYBE, a public television station in Philadelphia, relinquished its broadcast license as part of the Federal Communications Commission's Broadcast Incentive Auction. WYBE received a one-time payment of $131.5 million and transitioned from broadcasting into a private foundation dedicated to supporting media and storytelling initiatives.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$120.8M
+2.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$6.2M
-37.1% YoY
Grant Count
176
+14.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$35K
-44.9% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Independence Public Media of reported a distributable amount of $5.8M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission Statement: Independence Media enriches lives through programs and services that entertain, educate, and inspire. The organization believes in the power of television and new technologies to connect communities, promote diversity, and encourage understanding.
Primary Focus Areas:
- Community storytelling and narrative change
- Media-making by Philadelphia-based creators
- Digital equity and internet access initiatives
- Support for small organizations, startups, and creators from marginalized groups
- Information and communication media initiatives
- Building and strengthening networks of people creating and sharing information, ideas, and stories for justice and change
The foundation has a particular emphasis on shifting narratives in local media around violence, crime, safety, and other community issues through the Shift the Narrative coalition.
Grantmaking
Independence Public Media of Philadelphia made 143 grants in 2024. The organization has distributed more than $30 million in grants since its establishment in 2019.
Grant Range
is approximately $254, though grants vary significantly in scope. The organization funds both general operations and project-specific initiatives.
Average Grant
is approximately $254, though grants vary significantly in scope. The organization funds both general operations and project-specific initiatives.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Independence Public Media of Philadelphia supports communication media initiatives across the United States with significant geographic reach. Primary funding areas include:
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (primary focus)
- Major urban centers including New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago
- States with documented funding activity: Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets & Revenue (2024):
- Total Assets: $120.8 million
- Total Revenue: $10.9 million
- Total Expenses: $8.3 million
- Total Liabilities: $38,500
Tax Status: Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization since February 1985. Donations are tax-deductible. The organization is required to file Form 990-PF.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $120,763,019 | $117,454,732 | $114,645,232 |
| Revenue | $10,894,248 | $2,096,477 | $6,898,202 |
| Expenses | $8,268,499 | $11,940,159 | $12,026,789 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $6,887,191 | $10,627,589 | $10,951,911 |
| Net Investment Income | $10,332,831 | $3,611,172 | $6,604,333 |
| Distributable Amount | $5,801,252 | $5,655,944 | $6,100,469 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Independence Public Media of
Community Voices Fund
INDEPENDENCE PUBLIC MEDIA OF
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Local Filmmaker Fund Grant
INDEPENDENCE PUBLIC MEDIA OF
Amount
US $10,000 - US $30,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Philadelphia Student Mediamaker Fund Grant
INDEPENDENCE PUBLIC MEDIA OF
Amount
US $1,000 - US $1,500
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Big Picture Alliance ($150,000), Cinespeak ($125,000), Centro De Cultura Arte Trabajo Y Educacion ($120,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 2 PUNTOS PLATFORM INC DELANCO, NJ | TO SUPPORT 2PUNTOS JOURNALISM AND STRENGTHEN ITS COMMUNITY-RUN VOZCOLECTIVA NEWSROOM. | $100,000 |
| ABOLITIONIST LAW CENTER - FISCAL SPONSOR FOR WEB DU BOIS MOVEMENT SCHOOL PITTSBURGH, PA | TO SHIFT PREVAILING NARRATIVES AROUND POLICING AND MASS INCARCERATION | $40,000 |
| ACTING WITHOUT BOUNDARIES BRYN MAWR, PA | TO SUPPORT THE ACTING WITHOUT BOUNDARIES' YOUTH ACTING LAB FILM PROJECT | $10,000 |
| AL-BUSTAN SEEDS OF CULTURE PHILADELPHIA, PA | TOSUPPORT AL-BUSTAN NEWS SERVICE | $100,000 |
| ALLIED ARTS FOUNDATION - FISCAL SPONOR FOR DOCUMENTARY ABOUT ULRICK SEATTLE, WA | TO PROVIDE FINISHING FUNDS FOR TATIANA BACCHUS' DOCUMENTARY ABOUT ULRICK. | $10,000 |
| ALLIED ARTS FOUNDATION - FISCAL SPONOR FOR THE DENNIS BOYS SEATTLE, WA | TO SUPPORT STEPHEN ARTHUR SCHAFFER'S FILM, "THE DENNIS BOYS" | $20,000 |
| ALLIED ARTS FOUNDATION - FISCAL SPONOR FOR DOCUMENTARY ABOUT HAITIAN IMMIGR SEATTLE, WA | TO CREATE A DIGITAL DOCU-SERIES AIMED AT RECENTLY ARRIVED HAITIAN IMMIGRANTS | $15,000 |
| AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES FOUNDATION OF PA PHILADELPHIA, PA | TO SUPPORT STILL WE RISE COALITION'S STORYTELLING PROJECT | $25,000 |
| AMISTAD LAW PROJECT PHILADELPHIA, PA | TO CREATE TWO MINI-DOCUMENTARIES HIGHLIGHTING MOBILE CRISIS UNITS AND THE COMMUTATION PROCESS | $100,000 |
| ARMENIAN FILM SOCIETY - FISCAL SPONOR FOR LOVE LUNISE GLENDALE, CA | TO SUPPORT MARIA VATTIMO'S FILM, "LOVE, LUNISE" | $25,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Key Personnel:
- Molly De Aguiar – President
- Ana Graciela Méndez – Board Member
The organization employs 6 staff members as of 2024, representing an 80% year-over-year growth in workforce.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOLLY DE AGUIAR | PRESIDENT | 40 | $236,139 |
| CHRISTOPHER CAPATO | FINANCE DIRECTOR | 40 | $184,559 |
| ANUJ GUPTA | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| SIDNEY HARGRO | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| ANTOINE HAYWOOD | BOARD MEMBER - TERMINATED 12/3/24 | 1 | — |
| FEATHER HOUSTON | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| JAMILA MEDLEY | CHAIR | 1 | — |
| CLEMENCIA RODRIGUEZ | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| JANINE SPRUILL | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| OMAR WOODARD | TREASURER | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
Independence Public Media Foundation has announced multiple significant grant rounds in 2024:
Independence Public Media Foundation Announces $3.6 million in Grants to**$6.1 Million in 2024 Grants:** The foundation announced its final grants for 2024, continuing its commitment to supporting media and storytelling initiatives.
Independence Public Media Foundation Announces $3.6 million in Grants to**$800,000 in Community Voices Grants:** Dedicated funding for community-focused media projects.
Independence Public Media Foundation Announces $800,000 in 2024 Community**$500,000 for Independent Filmmakers:** Grants specifically awarded to local independent filmmakers in Philadelphia.
Independence Public Media Foundation Announces $500,000 in Grants Awarded**$3.6 Million in Key Partner Grants:** The foundation announced $3.6 million in grants to 32 organizations and projects, supporting key partners in the media and storytelling ecosystem.
Independence Public Media Foundation Announces $3.6 million in Grants toThe organization continues to expand its grantmaking reach and has demonstrated consistent annual grant distribution since its establishment, with a focus on supporting grassroots media creators and community-driven storytelling initiatives.
Independence Public Media Foundation Announces $3.6 million in Grants toSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Independence Public Media of fund?
**Mission Statement:** Independence Media enriches lives through programs and services that entertain, educate, and inspire. The organization believes in the power of television and new technologies to connect communities, promote diversity, and encourage understanding. **Primary Focus Areas:** • Community storytelling and narrative change • Media-making by Philadelphia-based creators • Digital equity and internet access initiatives • Support for small organizations, startups, and creators from…
How do I apply for a grant from Independence Public Media of?
**Grant Activity:** Independence Public Media of Philadelphia made 143 grants in 2024. The organization has distributed more than $30 million in grants since its establishment in 2019. **Recent Grant Announcements:** • 2024: $6.1 million in total grants announced • 2024: $800,000 in Community Voices Grants • 2024: $500,000 in grants to local independent filmmakers • Recent grants include $150,000 to Resolve for the Germantown Info Hub hyperlocal newsroom and $150,000 to The Big Picture Alliance…
Where does Independence Public Media of make grants?
Independence Public Media of Philadelphia supports communication media initiatives across the United States with significant geographic reach. Primary funding areas include: • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (primary focus) • Major urban centers including New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago • States with documented funding activity: Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Is…
What size grants does Independence Public Media of award?
In 2024, Independence Public Media of awarded 176 grants totaling $6.2M — an average of about $35K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Independence Public Media of required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Independence Public Media of reported a distributable amount of $5.8M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Independence Public Media of's EIN?
Independence Public Media of's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 22-2600747. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Independence Public Media of's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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