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National Public Radio announced on April 16, 2026, that it has received two philanthropic gifts totaling $113 million: an $80 million donation from philanthropist Connie Ballmer and a $33 million gift from an anonymous donor.
NPR said the funds are earmarked to accelerate digital innovation, expand tools and services shared with local public radio stations, and bolster audience engagement across platforms.
The donations follow Congress’s 2025 elimination of roughly $1.1 billion in federal public broadcasting funding, which forced widespread budget cuts at local stations and prompted NPR to reduce fees and provide fundraising support to members.
NPR CEO Katherine Maher described the gifts as catalytic investments but cautioned they do not replace lost federal support.
Reporting indicates some of the new funds are restricted to specific projects, and NPR may still pursue staff reductions as it adapts to a changed funding landscape.
Ballmer framed her gift as support for independent journalism and for helping NPR meet audiences “where they are.”







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