Journalism Funding
Most Recent
Trust-Based Practices Top of Mind at Tech Billionaire Couple David and Angela Filo’s Foundation
In 2000, the Yahoo! cofounder and his wife launched what is now called the Skyline Foundation. Executive Director Angie Chen walks us through how it’s evolved, its commitment to trust-based giving and more.
Media Literacy Can Help Defang Disinformation. These Funders Are Backing It.
Helping people become wiser consumers and producers of media isn’t the focus of a whole lot of grantmaking, despite its obvious importance right now. But some funders do support those efforts.
Why Hewlett’s Funding Fact-Based, Religion-Focused Media — and Why We Need More of That
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation’s support for Religion News Service and other experienced outlets is valuable in today’s environment of disinformation and journalistic decline.
How the Field Foundation of Illinois Supports Community Power-Building Throughout Chicago
With a history in Chicago going back many decades, this regional grantmaker aims to evolve from a “transactional” to a “transformational” funder, including by supporting local journalism and community organizers.
Disinformation Poses a Serious Threat to Democracy. Here Are Some of the Funders Pushing Back
Philanthropy’s been engaged in the fight against disinformation for a while, but those efforts are even more crucial in an election year that will once again test the nation’s institutions. Here are a few key grantmakers to note.
A Closer Look at the Wyncote Foundation, From the Family Behind the William Penn Foundation
This Philadelphia-based funder was launched in 2009 by John Haas, whose father established the much larger William Penn Foundation. We dig into Wyncote’s current giving, including substantial support for local journalism.
“Accountability Still Exists.” A Closer Look at a Place-Based Donor’s Historic Journalism Gift
Nathan Collier’s gift to the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications aims to boost government oversight at the state level. We check in with the real estate executive to learn how it came together.
Why Craig Newmark Is Concerned — and Hopeful — for American Democracy
As the 2024 election approaches, Craig Newmark is focusing his philanthropy on efforts to educate the public, strengthen cyber security and protect democracy — while cracking some jokes along the way.
“We’re Making Rapid Progress.” A Journalism Funding Leader Reflects on the State of Local News
The American Journalism Project recently announced its latest round of funding in support of local news. We check in with CEO Sarabeth Berman to discuss the latest grantees, key trends across the ecosystem, and much more.
More Than a Spokesperson: Why Foundations Are Prioritizing External Communications
Some funders prefer to operate far from the spotlight, but we’ve been noticing a lot of sophisticated communications teams at foundations lately. What do they do, exactly, and why do funders make this a priority?
A Conversation with Liz Carter, Outgoing President and CEO of the Scripps Howard Foundation
In May, Liz Carter will be stepping down as head of the Scripps Howard Foundation and Scripps Howard Fund. In a candid chat, Carter reflects on her career, the state of journalism philanthropy, and more.
A Conversation with Karen Rundlet, Incoming CEO of the Institute for Nonprofit News
The Knight Foundation senior director will take the helm at INN, which offers support to nearly 450 members. We check in with her about why she’s optimistic about local news, her plans for the organization, and much more.
How This Nationwide Matching Gift Campaign Galvanizes Support for Nonprofit News Outlets
NewsMatch, the largest collaborative fundraising campaign to support nonprofit news in the U.S., kicks off on November 1. It leverages growing interest in nonprofit journalism, from big funders and small donors alike.
“A Pathway to Restoring Local News.” Field Leader Sue Cross on the State of Journalism Philanthropy
Sue Cross will be stepping down as the head of the Institute for Nonprofit News at the end of the year. She walks us through what she’s learned during her tenure about how philanthropy can support local news and much more.
How John Palfrey Is Leading MacArthur Into a New Era of Philanthropy
John Palfrey has led this $8 billion foundation through a time of great change — a racial reckoning, the rise of trust-based philanthropy, and program shifts at MacArthur. We take stock of how Palfrey’s done so far, and what’s next.
As Funders Press Forward for Local Journalism, Doubts Persist Around the Role of Racial Equity
Several criticisms have circulated around Press Forward, a recently-announced $500 million local news initiative backed by a host of funders. One issue stands out: its vague, noncommittal language around racial equity.
An Expansive Survey Assesses Funders’ Surging Interest in Journalism — and Potential Growing Pains
A comprehensive survey of journalism funders and nonprofits shows a field poised for expansion and highlights potential concerns over conflicts of interest. Researcher Jennifer Preston walks us through the findings.
“Ask Yourself Those Hard Questions.” How — and Why — a Regional Funder Plans to Sunset
James B. McClatchy Foundation just published a plan to spend down by 2030. CEO Priscilla Enriquez explains how they came to this decision, challenges along the way, and why funders are so protective of their assets.
Inside a Media Funding Partnership to Get the Word Out about Early Childhood
Backing journalism can be a powerful way for philanthropy to raise the profile of critical but neglected issues like early childhood care and education. Here’s one new example out of Los Angeles.
“Part of the Solution.” How the American Journalism Project Is Galvanizing Support from Local Funders
Philanthropic funding has emerged as a key revenue source for the revitalization of local journalism. The American Journalism Project is on the front lines, making a case for trusted news to local funders.
Journalists Are Questioning the Idea of Objectivity. What’s Philanthropy’s Role in the Conversation?
A new report argues that newsrooms should ditch the conventional idea of journalistic objectivity. Meanwhile, a lot of philanthropy-backed nonprofit media has already moved on to different paradigms.
Omidyar’s Latest Effort to “Reimagine Capitalism” — Funding Intrepid Journalists
The Omidyar Network’s Reporters in Residence program is backing journalists who cover economic issues neglected by the mainstream media. It’s the latest philanthropic effort to boost a struggling field — and spur systemic change.
Want Your Giving to Make the Most Impact? Donate to Local Media
There are plenty of good reasons to donate to local nonprofit media. In this guest opinion, the leaders of two news outlets offer one you may not have considered — an outsized return on investment when it comes to impact.
This Philanthropy-Backed Initiative Gives Aspiring Critics of Color a Leg Up
With funding from the Mellon Foundation and others, Critical Minded is on a mission to build visibility for cultural critics of color. It’s aiming high with a New York Times partnership.
Visual Storytellers and Journalists Face Growing Risks. What Can Funders Do to Protect Them?
Backed by the Ford Foundation and others, a recent report from the Safer Storytellers Project outlines the steps funders can take to protect creators from increasing attacks and threats to their safety.
A Few Words of Warning About Funding Intermediaries and Philanthropy’s Leaky Bucket
Journalism intermediaries have seen their budgets grow in recent years, but given limited resources, shouldn’t more money go to news orgs directly? In this guest opinion, the former president of ProPublica makes the case.
The Logan Legacy: Three Brothers Carry on the Philanthropic Work Their Parents Started
With roots in Chicago, the Logan brothers — Richard, Jonathan and Daniel — all have their own foundations. They’re each carrying on and evolving a long legacy of giving that began with their late parents, David and Reva Logan.
Galvanizing Local Support, Community Foundations Are Bringing News Deserts Back to Life
Community foundations are emerging as key philanthropic partners for local news outlets. We discuss this promising trend with Todd Franko, Report for America’s director of local sustainability and development.
