AJC Receives Georgia Climate Change Coverage Grant

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has received a $50,000 donation from the Kendeda Fund and 1Earth Fund to expand coverage of climate change in Georgia. The one-year grant, made possible by Journalism Funding Partners, will be used to increase the volume and depth of reporting on how climate change is affecting metro Atlanta and the state.

Georgia is vulnerable and is already experiencing dangerous heat, stronger storms and more frequent flooding. With its diverse landscape from mountains to coastal marshlands, the state is expected to see even more dramatic impacts to its livability and economy as climate change accelerates.

With this funding, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution will be able to go beyond the daily news and take a deeper look at how the changing environment will affect Atlantans’ everyday lives. The newspaper currently employs one climate and environmental reporter, Drew Kann, who joined in October 2021 from CNN.

“The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is known for our in-depth reporting and our willingness to pursue complex stories where the stakes are high,” said Kevin Riley, editor of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Climate change is a topic where real, in-depth reporting can make a lasting impact, and we’re thankful we’ve secured partners who also see the clarity credible journalism can bring to this issue.”

How Philanthropy is Helping The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Like many newspapers across the country, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is seeking to build partnerships with community and philanthropic organizations to support in-depth journalism for high-impact topics. Along with subscriptions and advertising, donations are another way the community can support the mission of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and ensure the newspaper is able to serve the public for decades to come.

Partners who choose to fund projects with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution understand the value of editorial independence and respect journalistic integrity. As with all community partnerships, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution will retain editorial control of its content.

Journalism Funding Partners is a nonprofit that specializes in connecting donors with news organizations and helped make this grant possible.  

“Journalism is vital to the health of our democracy and the overall health of communities,” said Rusty Coats, executive director of Journalism Funding Partners. “We believe The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a valuable role to play in helping Georgians understand the threat of climate change and what should be done to mitigate the risks.”

Funds provided through this philanthropic initiative will allow the newspaper to hire and assign staff to cover topics it was either unable to cover or cover sufficiently to satisfy the need. The AJC will be transparent about which people or organizations provided support to make special projects like this possible.

To contribute to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's climate initiative, please visit www.ajc.com/donate/climate