Partnership to strengthen local journalism

The Inland Northwest Journalism Foundation announced a newly formed partnership with Innovia Foundation to deepen philanthropic support for local journalism and strengthen the long-term sustainability of news and storytelling across the Inland Northwest. 

Through this agreement, Innovia Foundation will provide comprehensive charitable fund administration for INJF, including donor fund management, donor relations support, grant and scholarship administration and general financial and operational services. 

This partnership allows INJF to focus more directly on its mission to support ethical, community-centered journalism and prevent the rise of news deserts, while ensuring donors benefit from trusted stewardship and transparent oversight.

“Local journalism is a civic necessity, and building a durable funding model requires both mission clarity and operational excellence,” said Clint Schroeder, board chair and founding member of the Inland Northwest Journalism Foundation. “Innovia brings deep regional trust, first-rate philanthropic administration and a donor-first mindset. With their team driving the financial and administrative engine, INJF can keep its focus where it matters most — supporting reporters, newsrooms and journalism students throughout our region.” 

Schroeder is president and executive publisher of Hagadone Newspaper and Media Groups.

Innovia Foundation, which serves Eastern Washington and North Idaho, has a long track record of partnering with donors and nonprofits to deliver scalable charitable impact and administer complex grant and scholarship programs across its multi-state service area.

Under the partnership, Innovia will help manage and grow INJF’s general, project-specific, grant and scholarship funds, ensuring contributions are safeguarded, professionally administered and deployed in alignment with donor intent and INJF’s journalism-support priorities. 

“INJF’s mission aligns powerfully with our belief that strong communities depend on an informed public,” said Shelly O’Quinn, chief executive officer of Innovia Foundation. “We’re honored to partner with INJF to help elevate local voices, support ethical reporting and ensure the Inland Northwest continues to benefit from vibrant, independent journalism.” 

What this means for donors 

Donors supporting the Inland Northwest Journalism Foundation will benefit from Innovia Foundation’s philanthropic services, including: 

• Secure fund management and financial administration 

• Streamlined giving options and donor support 

• Professional grant and scholarship processing 

• Transparent, consistent reporting for transparency and impact tracking 

• Coordinated regional support in eastern Montana via the Montana Community Foundation 

To ensure INJF’s full regional reach is supported, Innovia Foundation will also collaborate with the Montana Community Foundation to serve INJF members, donors and journalism initiatives in eastern Montana, providing seamless fund administration and localized philanthropic support across state lines. 

“The ability to offer donors clarity, confidence and continuity is a big leap forward for INJF,” said Nathan Alford, board vice chair and founding member of INJF. “This partnership gives us the infrastructure to grow responsibly, award more grants and scholarships and keep community journalism strong for the long haul.” 

Anton Kaufer, trustee of INJF, added, “We’re building something meant to last. Partnering with Innovia — and extending that model into eastern Montana through the Montana Community Foundation — gives INJF the professional backbone we need as our impact expands.”