Financial Support for Openness Issues

What is the Openness Defense Fund?

The Fund provides support for litigation and educational programs to better acquaint Iowans with the Iowa laws on meetings of governmental agencies and on access to government records, Chapters 21 and 22 of the Code of Iowa.

What is the focus of the Defense Fund?

The focus is on principles and procedures regarding litigation. The general principles are these:

The Fund is targeted toward smaller broadcast stations and newspapers exasperated with egregious records/meetings violations in their communities; but the Fund also is available to larger media operations, so long as they are Iowa Newspaper Association or Iowa Broadcasters Association members.

The Defense Fund will support up to one-third or $3,500 of the litigation costs, whichever is the lesser. Additional funds for appellate cases would require a reapplication.

How can I utilize the fund?

The general procedures are these: Representatives of Iowa newspapers and broadcast stations seeking support or advice should direct their initial inquiries/requests to Chris Mudge, executive director of the Iowa Newspaper Association; Sue Toma, executive director of the Iowa Broadcasters Association; or Kathleen Richardson, executive secretary of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council. Persons seeking support also may send their request (the nature of which is discussed below) to Richardson at the Iowa FOI Council, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa 50311. Information about the Openness Defense Fund also is available at the FOI Council website.

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