The Scripps Howard Foundation
The Scripps Howard Foundation is a private foundation based in Cincinnati, Ohio, established in 1962 to advance charitable causes important to The E.W. Scripps Company and the Howard and Scripps families. Its stated focus is creating informed and engaged communities through journalism education.
The Scripps Howard Foundation at a glance
In short: The Scripps Howard Foundation gave $7.4M across 819 grants in 2024 (avg $9K), top state Maryland. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $7,376,034
- +7.7% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 819
- -5.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $9,006
- +13.4% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $1,250
- Total assets
- $69,447,710
- +15.8% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Maryland (18% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to The Scripps Howard Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The foundation’s 2024 filing lists Liz Carter as the contact and states that no form or materials, deadline or award restrictions are specified.
- Contact
Application contact: Liz Carter
Mailing address: PO Box 5380, Cincinnati, OH 45201
Phone: (513) 977-3000
Website: https://scripps.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from The Scripps Howard Foundation
Diversity and Inclusion in Journalism Grants
The Scripps Howard Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Environmental Fellowship Program Grant
The Scripps Howard Foundation
Amount
US $80,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Scripps Howard Journalism Awards Grant
The Scripps Howard Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who The Scripps Howard Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was University of Maryland College Park Fdtn ($1.3M across 4 grants). Together the top 10 received $5.2M.
Organizations only. It also paid 52 grants to individuals ($215,708), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
2,523 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 2,466 grants of 2,523 (98%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s 2024 grant dollars were concentrated in Maryland and the District of Columbia, each accounting for 18%, followed by Arizona at 16%, Ohio at 11% and Colorado at 9%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 819 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How The Scripps Howard Foundation gives
- 50% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 24% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 317% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2018 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $3.0M (2018) to $7.4M (2024). In 2024 it made 819 grants totaling $7.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| International Center for Journalists Inc Washington, DC | Journalism Fund - Disarming Disinformation Grant | $675,706 |
| University of Colorado Foundation Denver, CO | Journalism Grant - Ted Scripps Environmental Program | $628,317 |
| International Center for Journalists Inc Washington, DC | Journalism Grant - Disarming Disinformation | $560,527 |
| University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MS | Journalism Grant - Roy Howard Community Journalism Center | $554,454 |
| Arizona State University Foundation Phoenix, AZ | Journalism Fund - Howard Center | $545,000 |
| University of Maryland College Park Fdtn College Park, MD | Journalism Fund - Howard Center | $513,475 |
| Arizona State University Foundation Phoenix, AZ | Journalism Fund - Howard Center | $500,000 |
| University of Maryland College Park Fdtn College Park, MD | Journalism Fund - Howard Center | $500,000 |
| University of Maryland College Park Fdtn College Park, MD | Roy W. Howard Fellowships | $168,000 |
| University of Maryland College Park Fdtn College Park, MD | Journalism Grant - AI program | $122,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Scripps Howard Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $69,447,710 | $19,459,483 | $10,336,787 | $7,376,034 | 819 | $9,879,050 | $10,340,868 | $3,119,159 |
| 2023 | $59,946,932 | $11,898,540 | $9,539,374 | $6,848,347 | 862 | $9,225,437 | $4,740,073 | $3,194,627 |
| 2022 | $59,030,616 | $10,855,424 | $9,740,430 | $6,792,579 | 840 | $9,116,446 | $4,068,348 | $3,139,901 |
| 2021 | $57,417,924 | $12,029,094 | $8,516,805 | $5,968,464 | 1 | $8,201,163 | $5,018,449 | $3,106,569 |
| 2020 | $53,898,387 | $10,334,294 | $9,145,901 | $5,513,097 | 1 | — | $3,506,866 | $3,120,110 |
| 2018 | $53,784,308 | $3,356,352 | $5,011,803 | $2,973,750 | 1 | — | $1,482,608 | $3,033,711 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Scripps Howard Foundation reported a distributable amount of $3.1M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation says it is dedicated to creating informed and engaged communities through journalism education. Its 2024 grants included support for journalism programs, fellowships, environmental journalism and an AI program.
Recipients included universities and journalism organizations. The International Center for Journalists, which received two of the foundation’s largest 2024 grants, describes its mission as empowering a global network of journalists to produce reporting that contributes to better governments, stronger economies, more vibrant societies and healthier lives. The University of Colorado Foundation, another major recipient, describes its role as receiving, managing and investing philanthropic funds for the benefit of the University of Colorado.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation made 819 grants totaling $7,376,034. Grant amounts ranged from $25 to $675,706, with a median grant of $1,250.
Among the largest 2024 grants were $675,706 to the International Center for Journalists for a Disarming Disinformation grant; $628,317 to the University of Colorado Foundation for the Ted Scripps Environmental Program; $560,527 to the International Center for Journalists for Disarming Disinformation; and $554,454 to the University of Southern Mississippi for the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center. The foundation also awarded $545,000 to the Arizona State University Foundation and $513,475 to the University of Maryland College Park Foundation for Howard Center journalism programs.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Carolyn Micheli as lead trustee. Listed trustees were David Giles, Rebecca Riegelsberger, Austin Heidt, Christina Hartman, Dean Littleton, Eli Scripps, Jack Howard-Potter and Jay Kaufman. Liz Carter was listed as president and CEO, with an end date of May 2024.
The Scripps Howard Foundation is led by Liz Carter, President & CEO since 2023 (on filings since 2018); 2 of 25 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Liz Carter
President & CEO
President & CEO → President, CEO & Trustee, 2022
President, CEO & Trustee → President & CEO, 2023
On filings since 2018
37.5 hrs/week
$238K (2018) → $158K (2024)
Meredith Delaney
President, CEO & Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
37.5 hrs/week
$165K (2024)
Rebecca Riegelsberger
Treasurer & Trustee
Treasurer → Treasurer & Trustee, 2022
On filings since 2018
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Austin Heidt
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Carolyn Micheli
Lead Trustee
Trustee → Lead Trustee, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Giles
Secretary & Trustee
Secretary → Secretary & Trustee, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jack Howard-Potter
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jay Kaufman
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Leon Clark
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lisa Knutson
Trustee
Lead Trustee → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Scagliotti
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ray Granado
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Roy Perkins
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Samantha Brickner Anderson
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kathleen Choal
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Christina Hartman
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dean Littleton
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eli Scripps
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Julie McGehee
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kate OBrian
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Keisha Taylor-Starr
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lyn Plantinga
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sam Scripps
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Margaret Scripps Klenzing
Emeritus Trustee
Trustee → Emeritus Trustee, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Pamela Howard
Emeritus Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (9)
- Former: Cheryle Harrison (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Ellen Weiss (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Keisha Taylor (2022–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Edward Scripps (2022) — Emeritus Trustee
- Former: Lisa Knuston (2022) — Trustee
- Former: Ed Fernandez (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Paul K. Scripps (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Robin A. Davis (2020) — Lead Trustee
- Former: Dave Giles (2018) — Secretary & Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2018–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $165K, to Meredith Delaney (President, CEO, and Trustee (As of 5/24)). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Scripps Howard Foundation
How much does The Scripps Howard Foundation give each year?
The Scripps Howard Foundation gave $7.4M across 819 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $6.8M across 862 grants.
What is The Scripps Howard Foundation's typical grant size?
The Scripps Howard Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $1,250, and its average grant was $9,006, across 819 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does The Scripps Howard Foundation give grants?
The Scripps Howard Foundation's top state is Maryland, with 18% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were District of Columbia (18%) and Arizona (16%). The most frequent recipient cities were Cincinnati, OH (94 grants), Nashville, TN (23 grants), Washington, DC (19 grants) and Billings, MT (15 grants).
Does The Scripps Howard Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 0% of The Scripps Howard Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 819) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Volunteer Gift" (294 grants), "Matching Gift" (181 grants) and "Community Market Grant" (139 grants).
Who are The Scripps Howard Foundation's largest grantees?
The Scripps Howard Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include University of Maryland College Park Fdtn ($1,303,475 across 4 grants), International Center for Journalists Inc ($1,251,233 across 3 grants) and Arizona State University Foundation ($1,045,000 across 2 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 52 grants to individuals ($215,708), which are not listed by name. Together they received 49% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Scripps Howard Foundation?
The Scripps Howard Foundation reported $69.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $9.9M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $3.1M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Scripps Howard Foundation fund?
The foundation says it is dedicated to creating informed and engaged communities through journalism education. Its 2024 grants included support for journalism programs, fellowships, environmental journalism and an AI program. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Scripps Howard Foundation?
The foundation’s 2024 filing lists Liz Carter as the contact and states that no form or materials, deadline or award restrictions are specified. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Scripps Howard Foundation's EIN?
The Scripps Howard Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 31-6025114. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2018–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(3)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2018 (received by the IRS February 18, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS December 15, 2022)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2018–2024
Live grants for the work The Scripps Howard Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program Up to US $10,000 · Due October 19, 2026
- Community and School Grants $28,000 total pool; 10-15 grants expected · Due October 19, 2026
- Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund $500 - $5,000 for ongoing programs; up to $15,000 for Strategic Initiative Grants · Due October 19, 2026
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Scripps Howard Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Scripps Howard Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-scripps-howard-foundation-morg_4d7d1aeda670489d997dca58e7df5263
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_316025114_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Scripps Howard Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-scripps-howard-foundation-morg_4d7d1aeda670489d997dca58e7df5263},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-18. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Scripps Howard Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
The Scripps Howard Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?