About Tomorrow’s Voices

The Student Press Law Center Board of Directors and staff are proud to announce the successful completion of Tomorrow’s Voices: A Campaign for the Future of Press Freedom. We have established an endowment fund for the Center so we can continue to serve as an advocate for the future of press freedom—Tomorrow’s Voices—for many years to come.

Recognizing the critical role the SPLC plays in defending student free-press rights and educating young people about the enduring power of press freedom, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation awarded us a challenge grant of $1.25 million. We met this challenge in December 2006 by raising $2.5 million to build a $3.75 million endowment.

Your Dollars at Work at the SPLC

The endowment established by the Tomorrow’s Voices campaign will secure the SPLC’s funding of current and future programs including:

• Ongoing free legal advice and assistance to thousands of college and high school journalists and the educators who advise them each year
• Authoritative publications and periodicals on student free-press and freedom of information issues
• Referrals to members of the SPLC Attorney Referral Network
• Friend of the Court Fund supporting the filing of amicus curiae briefs in important cases
• Fellowships and internships for young journalists and lawyers interested in student media issues
• SPLC speakers’ bureau
• And much more.

The success of SPLC’s $3.75 million endowment campaign will ensure that the organization has sufficient resources—enough professional legal help, enough research time, enough technology—to meet the growing demand by the student media for our aid.

Campaign Frequently Asked Questions:

“What will the SPLC do with the money generated by the Tomorrow's Voices fund?”

The endowment created by Tomorrow's Voices contributions will generate funds to support the ongoing work of the SPLC and allow the Center to continue to expand its efforts to meet the growing demand by students journalists for assistance with free press and freedom of information issues. Your gift ensures that the Student Press Law Center will be around to help young reporters, photographers, editors and advisers for years to come.

“How does the Knight Foundation match work?”

The Knight Foundation generously has said it will match every $2 you give with one additional dollar (up to $1.25 million), thus adding to the impact of every contribution. The Knight Foundation will accept cash contributions, pledges (signed pledge form) and deferred gifts so long as they are received by the Center by September 30, 2006. You will have until September 30, 2008 to pay your pledge giving donors the ability to make multi-year pledges. As we meet our goal of raising $2.5 million, Knight will contribute $1.25 million, creating an endowment fund of $3.75 million. Invested wisely, that sum will yield considerable future income for SPLC.

“How much am I expected to give?”

Our only expectation is that you will decide your gift level. We will be grateful for your contribution or pledge, whatever the amount.

“Can I restrict my gift to a particular SPLC program or service?”

Yes. Even at lesser amounts, pledges can be designated to a special program or service. The Development Office at the SPLC has information about the programs and services specific to this campaign. See contact information below.

“I already make made an annual gift to the SPLC. Is this different?”

Yes. The SPLC still needs your annual contribution to support the work we are doing today on behalf of the student press. Contributing to Tomorrow's Voices is a way to ensure that SPLC's programs and services are available for future generations of students.

“What if I want to make a gift now for annual support instead of to the Campaign?”

We will accept it gratefully. Such a gift however, will not be matched by the Knight Foundation because its challenge is specifically for our endowment fund.

“I’d like to make a larger gift, but my circumstances are limited right now.”

Endowment campaign gifts frequently are made from assets rather than current income. We can show you several ways of making a gift that can save you taxes or cost you less than you might think. The Development Office at SPLC can help you.

“What if I can’t give anything right now? Can I still help you reach the Tomorrow's Voices goal?”

Yes, you can help even if you can’t give right now. Any gift pledged before December 31, 2006, is eligible for the Knight Foundation match. Fill out a pledge form now (which you can download by clicking here). You have until September 30, 2008, to make the contribution.

“Can I request that my name not appear on any donor list?”

Of course. Simply indicate that preference with your gift or pledge form.
For more information about Tomorrow’s Voices and ways you can give please contact the Student Press Law Center Development Office at tomorrowsvoices@splc.org or 703-807-1904.