SPJ's Legal Defense Fund

By Julie Kay

SPJ's Legal Defense Fund is another resource for freelancers.

The Legal Defense Fund Committee oversees the fund, a unique account that can be tapped to provide journalists with legal or direct financial assistance. Application to the fund is approved by either a small committee or the national board, depending on the level of assistance sought. The committee works throughout the year raising funds for LDF.

Purpose of the Fund
SPJ collects and distributes contributions for aiding journalists in defending the freedom of speech and press guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

The primary role of the Legal Defense Fund is to initiate and support litigation that enforces public access to government records and proceedings, which can be the most expensive way to defend the First Amendment. The fund can also be a source of support for FOI hotlines, coalitions and newsletters, as well as for legislative lobbying activities aimed at enforcing public access to government records and proceedings.

All requests for money from the Legal Defense Fund will be weighed with special consideration for activities that will effect the most far-reaching and positive outcomes.

How to Request an LDF Grant
Download and complete a LDF application (PDF), stating specifically the purpose for which you are seeking assistance. Be sure to apply any documentation you have to support your request.

If your request is an emergency, call national headquarters at 317/927-8000 or call the chairs of either of the Society’s Legal Defense Fund or the Freedom of Information committees. Be prepared to fax some documentation.

It is helpful for you to first enlist the support of a local SPJ chapter president or regional director. National headquarters can supply names and phones numbers.

Note: A six-person review committee can make decisions on financial requests of up to $1,000 at any time during the year. The Society’s board of directors must review any requests for more than $1,000. The group meets each year in April and October.

Julie Kay is chairwoman of SPJ's Legal Defense Fund Committee. She is an award-winning South Florida journalist who covers the southeast United States for the National Law Journal. Kay also freelances for PEOPLE, New York Post and C-Span. She spoke last weekend about freelancing at SPJ's conference in Atlanta.