Funders

We are committed to transparency in our organization. 

We accept gifts, grants and sponsorships from individuals, organizations and foundations to help with our general operations, coverage of specific topics and special projects. 

As our newsroom is based at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, we are considered a unit of the university. All donations are made to the University of Missouri and designated for the Ag & Water Desk.

Our news judgments are made independently — not based on or influenced by donors, the University, or any other source. We do not give supporters the rights to assign, review or edit content.

We make public all revenue sources and donors who give $5,000 or more per year. We avoid accepting charitable donations from anonymous sources, government entities, political parties, elected officials or candidates seeking public office. We will not accept donations from sources that compromise our independence.

The Ag & Water Desk has received financial support from multiple foundations and individuals. 

Our major funders of $100,000 or more are:

• Walton Family Foundation 
• John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
• Press Forward

Other sources of support at $5,000 or above include:

• Paul W. Berning
• Howard P. Colhoun Family Foundation
• Robert Maxwell, Ph.D.
• Reynolds Journalism Institute
• Russell G. Smith II
• Google News Initiative
• Institute for Nonprofit News (INN)

The Missouri School of Journalism welcomes interest from additional funders. Donations may be made directly to the Ag & Water Desk Support Fund. For more information, contact us at info@agwaterdesk.org.

Last updated September 2026