February 21, 2023 “Part of the Solution.” How the American Journalism Project Is Galvanizing Support from Local Funders February 21, 2023/ Mike Scutari 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.Read More
February 10, 2023 Journalists Are Questioning the Idea of Objectivity. What’s Philanthropy’s Role in the Conversation? February 10, 2023/ Mike Scutari 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.Read More
February 02, 2023 Omidyar’s Latest Effort to “Reimagine Capitalism” — Funding Intrepid Journalists February 02, 2023/ Connie Matthiessen 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.Read More
January 06, 2023 Remembering Barbara Walters’ Philanthropy, and What to Expect Next January 06, 2023/ Ade Adeniji An iconic journalist and TV personality, Barbara Walters was also an active philanthropist. Here’s an overview of what she supported and some details on her giving vehicle, the Dena Charitable Trust.Read More
December 06, 2022 Want Your Giving to Make the Most Impact? Donate to Local Media December 06, 2022/ Nic Dawes and Mazin Sidahmed, Guest Contributors 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.Read More
December 05, 2022 This Philanthropy-Backed Initiative Gives Aspiring Critics of Color a Leg Up December 05, 2022/ Wendy Paris 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.Read More
October 20, 2022 The Logan Legacy: Three Brothers Carry on the Philanthropic Work Their Parents Started October 20, 2022/ Celia Wexler 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.Read More
September 07, 2022 Galvanizing Local Support, Community Foundations Are Bringing News Deserts Back to Life September 07, 2022/ Mike Scutari 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.Read More
May 02, 2022 Good Reporting on Science and Health Is Becoming Ever More Vital. Who’s Supporting It? May 02, 2022/ Paul Karon Threats like pandemics and climate change underscore the crucial importance of accurate science and health reporting. Here are some of the funders supporting journalists in that work.Read More
April 08, 2022 This Chicago Journalism Merger Is a Breakthrough for Local News—and Funders Are Taking Note April 08, 2022/ Katherine Don Long-beleaguered and previously bankrupt, the storied Chicago Sun-Times has gotten a new lease on life by merging with a nonprofit public media company. Here’s how philanthropy helped make that happen.Read More
August 24, 2021 Funder Spotlight: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations Want to Strengthen Civic Life August 24, 2021/ Mike Scutari Dedicated to the “common assets of American life,” this national funder significantly ramped up its funding in 2020. It places colleges, religious organizations and public media outlets at the center of its grantmaking.Read More
May 24, 2021 Community Foundation Support for Local Journalism Is Growing—and This Funder Is Leading the Way May 24, 2021/ Mike Scutari Community foundations are a growing force in local journalism ecosystems. We check in with leaders at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, whose discretionary journalism grantmaking far outpaces that of its peers.Read More
March 28, 2019 Inside a Nonprofit That Supports Environmental Journalists Around the World March 28, 2019/ Julia Travers In countries struggling with environmental threats like deforestation, the news media—and robust, reliable local reporting—can be the only way to draw attention to what’s happening. Backing such work in the mission of the Earth Journalism Network. Read More