The Michigan Coalition for Open Government is the official clearinghouse that reviews and recommends financial support from the National Freedom of Information Coalition (NFOIC) for freedom of information, open meetings and other public access litigation. Michigan residents and news organizations are now eligible to access some of the $2 million the Knight Foundation gave the NFOIC to fund worthwhile open access litigation. If the plaintiff prevails and recovers attorney fees and court costs (as mandated by the Michigan freedom of information and open meetings laws), that money will be refunded to the national group to keep the coffers full for future lawsuits. The state group makes the recommendation to the national group for funding.
The coalition also provides educational resources for journalists and citizens seeking access to government information.