Today, FERN is proud to announce that it is one of eight winners of the first round of the Investigative News Network’s (INN) INNovation Fund grants. Established with support from John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the INNovation Fund’s sole purpose is to spur nonprofit newsrooms to undertake innovative projects that will bring their organizations closer to sustainability.
The grant will be used to create “FERN Talks & Eats,” an event series featuring reporters who will present on-stage dramatic episodes about food and current food issues, paired with a chef who will produce related dishes for participants to enjoy. FERN Talks & Eats is scheduled to premiere in New York City in late 2014.
“We’re gratified and honored that INN has selected us for the INNovation Fund and thankful to Knight Foundation for encouraging experimentation, which is essential to the growth of non-profit news organizations. The grant will provide seed money for what we hope will be a series of illuminating, entertaining, and delicious experiences,” said Sam Fromartz, FERN’s Editor in Chief. “FERN Talks & Eats will play to our strengths in investigative and narrative journalism, while giving notable chefs a chance to interpret the subjects in the foods they prepare. We’re truly excited about the possibilities for this forum.”
“We were delighted to receive so many proposals from the various members of the nonprofit news and public media communities,” said Kevin Davis, CEO & Executive Director of the Investigative News Network. “While we only had sufficient funds to move forward with eight out of 118 proposals, we are very excited by the breadth and types of business experimentation exemplified by the finalists.”
We look forward to creating FERN Talks & Eats and will share more with you in the months to come.