Esserman Family Fund for Investigative Journalism

The Esserman Family Fund for Investigative Journalism, established by Ronald and Charlene Esserman and their family, is a way to herald the importance of a free press and fortify the crucial role that journalism plays in ensuring democratic freedoms. The Essermans believe that amplifying the voices of journalists and their courageous work will keep the community focused on issues of injustice, suppression, and corruption, and galvanize all of us to stand up for change.

The fund supports two initiatives:

1) The annual Esserman-Knight Journalism Awards, in partnership with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, which seek to celebrate and encourage outstanding investigative and public service reporting in South Florida and to foster a community that cares deeply about local news. Learn more at www.essermanknightawards.org.

2) Year-long investigative reporting fellowships at South Florida news organizations for early-stage reporters.