The Best of the West runs a contest for newspapers, magazines and websites in 14 states and uses the contest proceeds to fund grants to nonprofit organizations that promote freedom of information. The contest is the region's most prestigious, drawing about 1,000 entries a year, and has been in operation since 1987. The grants program has distributed more than $250,000 to media hotlines that provide free legal advice to journalists seeking access to public records and government meetings. Best of the West is incorporated as an Arizona nonprofit under the name First Amendment Funding Inc.