The non-profit organization dedicated to promoting free speech and protecting the comic book industry from censorship, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund announced this week a donation of $60,000 from the Gaiman Foundation. Founded in 2012 by author Neil Gaiman, known for his hugely acclaimed and best-selling work on Vertigo's The Sandman, the Gaiman Foundation's gift will go towards the CBDLF's various comics-related education initiatives.Gaiman, who retired from the CBLDF board earlier this year, was a major force in developing the CBDLF's educational programs during his more-than-ten-year tenure. The Gaiman Foundation's $60,000 gift will go towards funding those through 2013, as well as sponsorship of the Kids Right to Read Project, Banned Books Week, as well as new resources such as the book Manga: Introduction, Challenges, and Best Practices, and other publications for parents and educators about using graphic novels for education.

In a statement, CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein said, "Neil's vision, leadership and support have been fundamental in steering the CBLDF over the years. He has always been the most ardent voice for the Fund being a proactive education organization, and with this contribution, we are able to build upon the foundation he built to deliver an even more powerful program. We are grateful to him and the Gaiman Foundation for their generous support. It will help us make a real difference."

More From ComicsAlliance