Thursday, October 16, 2003 5:17 PM
Going non-profit for the first time in more than 20 years is more than a mere formality, but a turning point for the Los Angeles Press Club that will change the way it operates and dramatically broaden who it serves. The new status, granted by the Internal Revenue Service in August, will enable the club to apply for corporate and foundation grants, expand its ability to raise money through fund- raising activities and increase its commitment to charitable work such as scholarships and mentoring.
Already in the works are plans to recognize excellence in journalism among high school and college students, as well as to provide scholar- ships to teenagers from low-income families who are interested in becoming writers and journalists. These would be added to the club’s ongoing initiatives, such as educating journalists about public records and open government meeting laws.
To carry out the broader mission under our new non-profit status, all Press Club members are encouraged to get involved in one or more of our new subcommittees. They include groups that will be in charge of grant writing, developing volunteer/professional men- tors to work with young people, attracting corporate sponsors, setting up scholarships, and creating charitable programs and activities. Please contact Executive Director Diana Ljungaeus at (323)469-8180, to find out how
things will work, and to sign up.
“These efforts are long in coming for the Press Club, as we expand our mission to providing greater services to journalists and the community at large,” says LAPC President Ted Johnson.
