NPR has announced it has welcomed two of the largest gifts it has ever received following a loss in federal funding in recent months.
Philanthropist Connie Ballmer has donated $80 million to specifically go to technology upgrades for the outlet. She and her husband, former Microsoft CEO and current Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, have donated more than $3 billion to a variety of causes, the couple says.
“I support NPR because an informed public is the bedrock of our society, and democracy requires strong, independent journalism,” Ballmer said in a statement. “My hope is that this commitment provides the stability and the spark NPR needs to innovate boldly and strengthen its national network.”
Connie Ballmer previously served on the NPR Foundation board.
Additionally, an anonymous donor has given $33 million to NPR to “build and acquire tools and services that will be shared with public media organizations across the nation.”
According to NPR, the network plans to use that money for station analysis, audience analysis, marketing, and fundraising.
The gifts announced on Thursday are the largest since Joan B. Kroc, the widow of McDonald’s mogul Ray Kroc, donated more than $200 million in 2003.
While the large sum of donations is welcomed by NPR, CEO Katherine Maher says a round of downsizing could still be on the table.
“This does not replace federal funding,” Maher said. “This does not replace the shortfalls. We still need to continue to operate effectively in order to be able to do the work that we do day in and day out.”
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
