The A-Mark Foundation has received a $10 million gift from its founder and board member, Steven C. Markoff, to expand its mission of supporting investigative journalism. This substantial contribution represents a major investment in the future of accountability reporting at a time when such journalism faces significant financial challenges. The foundation, which distributed nearly $1 million in grants to support investigative work in 2025, is now positioned to dramatically increase its funding capacity for 2026 and beyond.
Investigative journalism serves as a critical check on power and provides essential information to citizens, yet it remains one of the most resource-intensive forms of reporting. The A-Mark Foundation's expanded funding capacity addresses this fundamental challenge by providing financial support to journalists and news organizations engaged in deep, time-consuming investigative work. This type of reporting often uncovers corruption, exposes systemic failures, and holds institutions accountable, making it essential for a functioning democracy.
The timing of this gift is particularly significant as many news organizations continue to face economic pressures that threaten their ability to fund long-term investigative projects. By providing dedicated resources specifically for investigative journalism, the A-Mark Foundation helps ensure that important stories continue to be told regardless of commercial pressures. The foundation's approach recognizes that investigative reporting requires not just skill and dedication, but also the financial support to pursue stories that may take months or even years to develop.
Steven C. Markoff's commitment through this gift demonstrates a recognition of investigative journalism's vital role in society. The funding will support both established investigative journalists and help develop the next generation of reporters through training and mentorship opportunities. This dual focus on current excellence and future development creates a sustainable model for maintaining high-quality investigative reporting. The foundation's work can be explored further through their official announcement.
The implications of this expanded funding extend beyond individual news organizations to affect the broader information ecosystem. When investigative journalism thrives, it creates a ripple effect that raises standards across the media landscape and provides citizens with the information needed to make informed decisions. The A-Mark Foundation's increased capacity to support this work represents a meaningful investment in transparency, accountability, and the public's right to know. As the foundation prepares to distribute significantly larger grants in 2026, the impact on investigative reporting across the country is expected to be substantial and far-reaching.
