NPR Receives $80 Million Donation Following Loss of Federal Funding

National Public Radio has secured significant private donations after the Republican-led Congress rescinded its federal funding in 2025. The organization received an $80 million gift from Connie Ballmer, described as the largest donation from a living donor in its history.

This followed a $33 million anonymous donation and pledges totaling $37 million from foundations including Ford, Knight, and MacArthur. Connie Ballmer, wife of former Microsoft co-CEO Steve Ballmer and a member of the Obama Foundation board of directors, stated that she supports NPR because an informed public is essential for society and democracy requires strong, independent journalism.

NPR announced that the gift would fund its digital strategy build-out.

Prior to the recission, NPR received about $12 million in direct federal annual operating funds, along with indirect federal dollars through member station dues. The organization maintains its federal nonprofit status, allowing it to receive tax-deductible charitable gifts.

It also retains access to telecommunications spectrum space granted to public radio stations during the administration of President Harry Truman. Former NPR editor Uri Berliner wrote in 2024 that an open-minded spirit no longer exists within NPR and that its audience does not reflect America.

A Pew Research Center study found that consistent liberals are more than twice as likely as web-using adults overall to name NPR as their top source for political news.

With the end of federal funding, NPR will no longer face congressional hearings, such as those involving its CEO Katherine Maher regarding her social media posts. The funding cut was part of a broader congressional action that also affected PBS. Local public radio and television stations, which received community service grants, may face financial challenges as a result.