Open Call on
Closing Local Coverage Gaps
General operating support for local news organizations.
Review the Program Guidelines.
Closing Local Coverage Gaps
Press Forward’s first open call will address the longstanding inequalities in journalism coverage and practice in the U.S., by investing in small, local newsrooms that provide original reporting in underserved communities.
Through this Open Call on Closing Local Coverage Gaps, at least 100 newsrooms will receive around $100,000 each over two years in unrestricted funds. News organizations with budgets of up to $1 million are eligible.
In the U.S., the news media has not adequately represented, reached nor uplifted the voices of under-represented groups in their coverage. As a result, entire communities are left out of the conversation on the issues that most affect their lives, resulting in lower levels of voting and civic engagement, deeper polarization and a higher cost for government services.
Press Forward wants to ensure that local coverage meets the needs of communities of color, linguistically diverse communities, low-wealth rural communities, and others not adequately served, reached or represented. This open call offers funding to smaller news organizations that are providing the hyperlocal, original reporting people need to make important decisions.
Start the application process by reviewing our program guidelines.
Then, apply for funding.
The application closes at 11:59 p.m. ET/ 8:59 PT on June 12, 2024.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Have an operating budget of less than $1 million for 2024
- Be in operation and publishing since at least September 1, 2023
- Have a commitment to editorial excellence, editorial independence, and transparency
Applicants can be:
- Nonprofits or for-profit organizations
- University or college student newsrooms producing original reporting that is community-facing
Attend an Information Session
- Q & A for Applicants with Press Forward Staff: 11 am. PT/ 2 p.m. ET June 3, 2024. RSVP
- Information Session: Watch the video of our first information session above.
Get Free Help From a Fundraising Coach
Applicants can receive grant writing support from the Lenfest Institute News Philanthropy Network.
A second Open Call on News Transformation will open later this year. Don’t qualify for this open call? Fill out a Press Forward profile, and get your organization before funders.
“For far too long, certain communities have not been properly reflected in nor authors of local news. Press Forward wants to ensure that local coverage meets the needs of communities of color, linguistically diverse communities, low-wealth rural communities, and others not adequately served, reached, or represented.“
Dale R. Anglin
Director