NPR receives $113M, $80M from Connie Ballmer, to sustain network and drive digital innovation

National Public Radio has received $113 million in gifts led by philanthropist and former NPR Foundation board member Connie Ballmer, who contributed $80 million, alongside a separate $33 million gift from an anonymous donor. The funding supports digital transformation, newsroom collaboration, and shared infrastructure across more than 240 member stations. Ballmer’s contribution focuses on long-term sustainability and innovation, while the anonymous gift targets tools and services benefiting local stations. The philanthropic support responds to a $1.1 billion federal funding gap and is expected to strengthen NPR’s national network and audience reach over the coming years.