The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation invests in journalism excellence worldwide and in the vitality of 26 U.S. communities. Since 1950 the foundation has granted more than $300 million to advance quality journalism and freedom of expression. It focuses on projects with the potential to create transformational change. For more, visit www.knightfoundation.org.

The only place you can apply is here on the Knight News Challenge web site. No applications are accepted by mail, e-mail, fax, or any other means.

First, you take about 20 minutes to fill out a simple form that tells us the essence of your idea. If we think your idea shows promise, we’ll ask you to write a full proposal. (This is to keep you from wasting a lot of time if we aren’t interested.)

You will be asked whether you want your entry to be “open” or “closed.” If you choose “open,” then others will be able to read and comment on your submission.

Those who submit their applications and proposals in the open process are seeking the wisdom of the crowd to help improve their ideas and their application. They don’t care if others try to develop the same idea, or if others help them with their work. They get to revise their application based on public feedback. On the other hand, those who submit in the closed process are confident they have a good idea, and they don’t want public help developing it further. They are ready to be judged on their idea as it is when they submit it. Neither type of entry has an advantage with the reviewers, who simply are looking for great ideas.

The “entry” is the first step of the application process, and it is fairly quick and easy to complete. The “proposal” is the second step, and it is more detailed. You will be notified whether or not you make it to the “proposal” stage.

If you can say yes to every one of these, then your idea qualifies for submission:
Digital – Your idea uses digital technology (computers, the internet, cell phones, that sort of thing).
Innovative – Your idea is new and original. It’s different from what people have done before. You are, in some way, breaking new ground.
News/information – Your idea is about giving people access to what they want to know.
Timely – Your idea delivers news or information while it’s still fresh.
Community-building – Your idea helps create a sense of community among some group of individuals.
Limited geographic area – Your idea affects people in a specific area, which could be as big as a state or province, or as small as a city block. (If your idea is national or worldwide in scope, it must work at a regional level.)
Open Source – The inner workings of what you create will be visible to the world, so that others can take it and improve upon it. (Read more here.)

The Knight News Challenge is a contest run by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, which has earmarked $25 million over a five-year period.

As much as $5 million will be given away this year. Anyone can apply.

The goal is to spur innovation in the delivery of information and news using digital media.

Whether it’s election coverage, crime statistics, little league scores, road conditions or anything else; we’re looking for smart, innovative solutions that connect people with the news and information that matters to them most.