The Guardian has launched an ambitious new editorial series titled 'Building Power' that delivers independent reporting on movement building and efforts to protect civil rights within the United States.
Philanthropic Support and Editorial Independence
This significant journalistic undertaking receives partial support through philanthropic funding directed to theguardian.org, a US-based foundation that collaborates with the Guardian on independent editorial projects. The series benefits from support provided by the Freedom Together Foundation, Marguerite Casey Foundation, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Despite this funding arrangement, the Guardian emphasises that all journalism within the series remains editorially independent, being commissioned and produced exclusively by Guardian journalists. The publication maintains its commitment to open journalism, recognising that the best understanding of world events emerges through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and encouraging robust debate.
Legal Framework and Coverage Parameters
The series operates within specific legal boundaries defined by US law, which restricts charitable foundations from directly funding certain activities. These restrictions prevent funding for lobbying efforts, influencing specific public elections, voter registration drives, or any non-charitable purposes.
This legal framework means that any public communications expressing views about specific legislative proposals must provide reasoned, objective consideration of facts and issues, presented in a manner that enables third parties to develop their own informed positions.
Viewpoint Attribution and Transparency
The Guardian clarifies that unless otherwise stated, all statements and materials within the Building Power series, including any discussion of specific legislation, reflect the views of individual contributors rather than the supporting foundations or the Guardian organisation itself.
This transparent approach ensures readers can distinguish between journalist-authored content and institutional positions, maintaining the integrity of the independent reporting that characterises this significant series examining civil rights developments across America.
