The Foundation for American Communications (FACS) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization focused on journalism training and promoting issue-oriented news coverage. Established in the early 1980s by Cynthia Perry, the foundation sought to bridge the gap between the nonprofit sector and the news media, aiming to expand the information available to television and radio audiences about nonprofit issues that were underrepresented in mainstream news[1][3].

FACS's mission centered around enhancing public awareness of critical societal topics, countering the dominant media focus on crime, entertainment, and other less substantive stories. The foundation played a role in helping nonprofit organizations obtain national media coverage for issues important to them, thereby contributing to a more informed public discourse[3].

The organization has been recognized and supported by institutions such as the MacArthur Foundation, reflecting its contributions to media and communications in the nonprofit sector[2]. Historically, FACS worked alongside journalists and commentators, including collaborations with notable figures like Charles Osgood, to foster better communication between the nonprofit community and the news industry[3].

Registered under EIN 51-0198837, the Foundation for American Communications has been part of broader efforts to sustain democratic engagement by ensuring that vital social issues receive adequate media attention[4].

[1] https://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Foundation_for_American_Communications [2] https://www.macfound.org/grantee/foundation-for-american-communications-4283/ [3] https://www.niemanlab.org/pdfs/carnegiegrant.pdf [4] https://findingaids.nysed.gov/do/7c6368ae-d853-506a-bbac-1b3ffe2bdc08 [5] https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/foundation-for-american-innovation/