In the states and across the nation, NFOIC and its coalitions stand guard as responsible stewards to your right to open, transparent and accessible government and other public institutions against attempts to diminish your access to your public information and public officials.
NFOIC is a nonpartisan alliance of nonprofit, citizen-driven state FOI organizations, academic and First Amendment centers, journalistic societies and attorneys working together to protect your right to open government and create greater government transparency.
Our member coalitions fight government secrecy at the state and local level all over the country.Our mission is to make sure every state and local government has laws, policies and procedures to facilitate the public’s access to their records and proceedings.
NFOIC extends an invitation to all national or regional FOI organizations, FOI committees of both state or national journalistic societies, and nonprofit state, regional or national organizations with an expressed concern for open and transparent government and freedom of information to join NFOIC. Attorneys specializing in First Amendment issues and individual citizens with a concern about First Amendment issues are also invited to become supporters. If your state doesn’t have a coalition, consider starting one.
Active member benefits and services include:
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Internal communications and online collaboration with other transparency advocates across the country, including webinars on FOI topics
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Access to a national network of FOI supporters to help rally around challenges or issues in your state.
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Knight FOI Litigation Fund: NFOIC administers the fund, which offers financial support in open government lawsuits, fueling and assisting the pursuit of important FOI cases. While the grants are available to anyone who qualifies, each affiliate is asked to review applications from their states to keep them connected and possibly involved with the litigation in their jurisdiction.
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Annual FOI Summit: NFOIC conducts an annual event focused on topics and trends in FOI, state and local government transparency and open government legislation and tips for transparency advocacy.
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Opportunity to nominate your state’s transparency hero for induction into the Open Government Hall of Fame.
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Media relations: NFOIC receives media inquiries and we reach out to our members to respond to those requests and when appropriate pair them with inquiring journalists.
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Frequent news and information from local, state, national and international news sources of stories, studies and announcements on FOI policies, open government, open data and government transparency topics.
If your organization would like to be considered for membership by the NFOIC Board of Directors, please fill out this form. In addition to basic contact information, you will need to upload copies of your bylaws, proof of your non-profit status and proof of incorporation. NFOIC also welcomes individual members who support the public’s right to access government information through public records and attendance at open meetings. Please fill out the same application form.