National Public Radio has announced a $1 million restricted gift to the Public Media Bridge Fund to support NPR member organizations that may be struggling to stay afloat following the loss of federal funding.
The Bridge Fund itself is an initiative launched by the Public Media Company in 2025 following the congressional rescission.
NPR’s restricted gift is for eligible member organizations and will be administered through the fund’s grant giving framework, a release said.
[Related: “Public Media Stations Confront Money Crisis”]
The fund is particularly intended for public media outlets serving rural and underserved communities. Public Media Company said the funds it offers are designed to provide short-term relief while also helping stations identify more sustainable operating models.
“NPR shares in the goals of the Public Media Bridge Fund and believes deeply in its approach,” Ryan Merkley, NPR’s chief operations officer said.
Information about all of our current grant programs can be found on the station resources page of the fund’s website. More sustainability offerings will be announced in the coming weeks.
Applications are viewed by the Bridge Fund on a rolling basis. Applicants can expect to hear from the fund regarding their status over the course of next year.
The Bridge Fund has raised approximately $86 million to date.
[Do you receive the Radio World SmartBrief newsletter each weekday morning? We invite you to sign up here.]
