Who's behind the news?
Who's behind the news?
1.5.2
Newsjunkie.net is a resource guide for journalists. We show who's behind the news, and provide tools to help navigate the modern business of information.
Use of Data
Tide is turning in news room viability
Today we’ll be highlighting new financial resources emerging in the news space. The number of foundations providing funds and empowering journalists worldwide is growing. We don’t want to miss the chance to share these gems—no shining stone should be left unturned.
A look at journalism schools
Before we get to funding sources, we want to announce the publication of our first full J-School profile: Emerson College. The story, by Newsjunkie reporter Morgan Kriesel (a recent Emerson graduate), details the school’s hands-on style of training young journalists.
Is anything more exciting than seeing journalists get paid?
We’ve uncovered some standout efforts to revitalize local journalism. Last December the MacArthur Foundation announced $48 million in grants to support Press Forward, a joint funding effort involving 28 major American foundations and charities. Press Forward’s main priority is strengthening local newsrooms.
The announcement is a game-changer. This funding will help build a stronger, more resilient news ecosystem, ensuring communities have access to reliable, trustworthy news. It’s a vital step towards a healthier democracy and a more informed public.
We want to highlight the players making a difference. Below is a selection of five. Be sure to check out the many others listed in the Foundations and Funding section at Newsjunkie.net/Resources for a comprehensive list.
Revitalizing local news is key to recovering a healthy democracy. Press Forward raises and dispenses funding for local news. Their support is intended to help local newsrooms strengthen the bond of trust within their communities, and to assist with infrastructure needed for newsroom production. The checks are already landing, including $1 million for innovative West Virginia digital news studio 100 Days in Appalachia, and $3.5 million to assist Institute for Nonprofit News create a matching grant pool to encourage local support of regional journals.
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation
This Dubai-based foundation aims to bridge the knowledge gap between the Arab region and the West. It facilitates knowledge and research by funding research projects, activities and initiatives, striving to establish knowledge-based societies in the Arab world.
Local Media Association + Local Media Foundation
This Michigan-based nonprofit trade association supports local media companies, from large businesses to small family-owned operations. They focus on business transformation, journalism funded by philanthropy, industry collaboration, and sustainability for publishers of color. The Knight x LMA BloomLab specifically boosts technology in Black-owned local publications and media outlets.
Established in 2019, Candid connects grant seekers with funding sources. By tracking foundations and other providers, and providing grant-writing help, Candid seeks to streamline the process of finding and procuring nonprofit financing.
Launched in 2015 by the founder of Craigslist.org, Craig Newmark Philanthropies promotes trustworthy journalism, voter protection, and efforts to neutralize disinformation. The organization’s goals align with Newmark’s personal ethos of “balancing transparency with intent to do good while doing no harm.”
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As we continue to build our company, our community gives us heart, soul, and passion. Thank you for being here with us. We’re so grateful.
Warm regards,
Talla Khattat, editor, and the Team