The Religion News Foundation (RNF) in Columbia, Missouri, has announced a grant of more than $4 million over two years from the Lilly Endowment in support of the Religion News Service (RNS), a subsidiary of RNF, and to expand the capacity of both organizations.

The grant will strengthen and broaden RNS’s editorial work, expand and diversify its audience, increase revenue through multiple streams, and improve key aspects of its operations. In addition, the funding will support both organizations’ missions to drive the conversation about the myriad ways religion shapes people’s lives by reporting objectively, accurately, sensitively, and in depth on religion and how it manifests in the world. 

“Our thanks to Lilly Endowment for its continued support of RNF/S,” said RNF/S chief executive and publisher Deborah Caldwell. “This grant is key to RNS continuing to produce high-quality journalism and expand its coverage. It also is key to helping RNS fulfill its mission to be the most trusted resource for news, features, and commentary on religion and spirituality, where people come together to understand each other’s beliefs.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/David De Lossy)