VOICES Publishing from the AAJA National Convention
Following a difficult decade, the Asian American Journalists Association continues to attract new sponsors that have allowed the organization to balance its budget and expand programming.
“There were definitely some funding challenges at the end of the last decade for all nonprofit organizations in the media space,” said AAJA National Treasurer Gautham Nagesh. “We weathered them, and I think we’re very healthy now.”
AAJA’s budget health is measured by the number of members and convention-goers, Nagesh said, adding that he expects a good turnout at the convention this year and an increase in membership.
From membership dues, grants and other revenue sources, AAJA brought in more than $1.2 million — receiving $95,146 from membership dues alone, according to the 2013 budget.
AAJA reported that it had 1,680 members, according to minutes from the 2013 fall national board meeting. The organization hopes to have 2,000 members by the end of 2014.
“We have diversified our funding sources,” said AAJA Executive Director Kathy Chow, who added that AAJA used to depend on media companies for funding. “As media companies have shrunk, we have had to look at alternative funding — so more corporate funding, more foundation funding. We are building up our individual donors. So, really, it’s about not holding yourself to one source of funding.”
The three biggest sponsors in 2013 were the Ford Foundation, General Motors and the Kellogg Foundation, which brought in a collective $410,849, according to the 2013 budget. The figure is a significant shift from 2009, when AAJA reported a $207,000 deficit, according to a 2010 Voices article.
“We have not only overcome our deficit, but we’ve really built toward the future. We are stronger than ever,” said Chow. “We’re building our brand to be more than just journalists, but a business solution for companies and communities.”
The organization spent nearly $1.2 million on programming and administration.
A $200,000 grant — the largest source of funding in 2013 — was awarded to AAJA by the Ford Foundation. The money was used to launch the Heartland Project, which aims to increase news coverage of minorities and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Nebraska.
For the first time, AAJA is hosting a Media Institute. at this year’s annual convention, through which it will train 25 community and business leaders on how to effectively communicate with the media, including how to answer tough questions. The institute is funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Nielsen, with additional support from Southwest Airlines.
New sponsorships and increased funding have also meant AAJA could extend the Executive Leadership Program, which coaches mid-career AAJA members seeking to transition into managerial roles in their newsrooms.
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