Knight Cities Challenge
Sponsor: The John S. and James L. Knight FoundationInternal Deadline: 04/08/2026Institutional Submission Limit: 1/collegeSponsor Deadline: 04/30/2026Program Website
Program Overview:
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has launched the 2026 Knight Cities Challenge, an open call for ideas designed to strengthen communities in Knight cities. Through this initiative, Knight Foundation plans to invest up to $5 million, with grants of up to $200,000 per project. Selected projects are expected to be completed within one year.
Projects must align with at least one of Knight Foundation’s three focus areas:
- Strengthening local news and information
- Creating pathways for economic opportunity
- Cultivating connection through arts, culture, and the places that bring people together
Because both Columbia, South Carolina, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, are participating Knight communities, this opportunity may be especially relevant for USC faculty and staff whose work engages one or both of these communities.
Submission Process
If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please submit the following materials as a single PDF to USCCFR@sc.edu by 5:00 p.m. on April 8, 2026.
Internal Submission Requirements:
- A 1–2 page concept paper that includes:
- Project title
- Lead applicant name, title, and department/unit
- The community need, opportunity, or challenge to be addressed
- A description of the proposed project
- How the project aligns with one or more of Knight Foundation’s focus areas
- Anticipated local impact
- What makes the idea new or distinctive, or how it builds upon prior community efforts
- Key collaborators and community partners
- Project feasibility and anticipated timeline
- Preliminary budget estimate and justification
- CVs for key personnel
Please email asmanj@mailbox.sc.edu with any questions.