Harper's Magazine Foundation

Harper's Magazine Foundation is a non-profit organization affiliated with Harper's Magazine, a monthly magazine of politics, culture, fiction, and poetry published in New York City. The foundation was established to support the magazine's mission to provide a platform for in-depth reporting and thought-provoking commentary on issues of national and international importance, such as those discussed by Noam Chomsky, Naomi Klein, and Arundhati Roy. The foundation's work is inspired by the legacy of John Kenneth Galbraith, Gore Vidal, and other notable contributors to Harper's Magazine, including Thomas Frank, Barbara Ehrenreich, and Lewis Lapham. The foundation's efforts are also informed by the work of organizations such as the Pulitzer Center, the Nation Institute, and the New York Foundation for the Arts.

● History

The history of the foundation is closely tied to the history of Harper's Magazine, which was founded in 1850 by Fletcher Harper. Over the years, the magazine has been edited by notable figures such as Lewis Lapham, Roger Hodge, and Ellen Rosenbush, who have shaped its editorial direction and tone, often in response to major events like the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the September 11 attacks. The foundation was established to support the magazine's ongoing commitment to investigative journalism and literary excellence, as exemplified by the work of Seymour Hersh, Jane Mayer, and George Packer. The foundation's history is also marked by its relationships with other organizations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the PEN American Center, which share its commitment to free speech and social justice.

● Mission and Activities

The mission of the foundation is to support the publication of Harper's Magazine and to promote its values of intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and civic engagement. The foundation achieves its mission through a range of activities, including fundraising, grant-making, and program development, often in partnership with organizations like the Ford Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Open Society Foundations. The foundation also supports the work of independent journalists and writers, such as Glenn Greenwald, Jeremy Scahill, and Sarah Kendzior, who are committed to exposing corruption and promoting transparency. Additionally, the foundation collaborates with institutions like the New York Public Library, the Library of Congress, and the British Library to advance its mission and promote a culture of literacy and learning.

● Governance and Leadership

The governance and leadership of the foundation are overseen by a board of directors composed of notable figures in the worlds of journalism, literature, and philanthropy, including Rick MacArthur, Katrina vanden Heuvel, and Victor Navasky. The foundation is also advised by a council of editors that includes Thomas Frank, Barbara Ehrenreich, and Lewis Lapham, who provide guidance on editorial matters and help to shape the foundation's programmatic initiatives, often in response to major events like the Financial crisis of 2007-2008 and the Arab Spring. The foundation's leadership is committed to transparency and accountability, and it works closely with organizations like the Better Business Bureau and the Charity Navigator to ensure that its operations are efficient and effective.

● Programs and Initiatives

The foundation offers a range of programs and initiatives designed to support the publication of Harper's Magazine and to promote its values of intellectual curiosity and civic engagement. These programs include the Harper's Magazine Fellowship, which provides support to emerging writers and journalists, such as Sarah Kendzior and Glenn Greenwald, who are working on investigative projects and literary endeavors. The foundation also sponsors public events and conferences, such as the Harper's Magazine Forum, which bring together notable thinkers and writers to discuss issues of national and international importance, often in partnership with organizations like the New America Foundation, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and the Brookings Institution. Additionally, the foundation supports educational initiatives and community outreach programs, such as the Harper's Magazine Reading Series, which promote literacy and civic engagement in underserved communities.

● Notable Awards and Recognition

The foundation has received numerous awards and recognition for its support of Harper's Magazine and its commitment to intellectual curiosity and civic engagement. These awards include the National Magazine Award, the Pulitzer Prize, and the George Polk Award, which have been won by Harper's Magazine for its investigative reporting and literary excellence. The foundation has also been recognized by organizations like the American Society of Magazine Editors, the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, and the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University for its contributions to journalism and literary culture. Additionally, the foundation has been supported by philanthropic organizations like the Ford Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Open Society Foundations, which share its commitment to free speech and social justice. The foundation's work has also been acknowledged by influential thinkers and writers, such as Noam Chomsky, Naomi Klein, and Arundhati Roy, who have contributed to Harper's Magazine and have been supported by the foundation's programs and initiatives.

Category:Non-profit organizations