In July 2011, the Foundation announced it would no longer award publishing grants, instead, focusing on charitable work, including fostering environmentalism, literacy, and the arts. Citing the changing nature of the comics industry, and specifically the ability of cartoonists to publish their work online, founder Laird announced the shift. According to the organization's website, one round of final grants will be awarded in 2012, giving applicants until May 2012 to complete their work. (The Foundation cancelled the scheduled November 2011 review.)