Press Forward

Excited to share our latest impact report - and how Press Forward’s coalition of ⭐ 88 ⭐ funders has invested more than $200 million in local news to date. Supporting local news has never been more important or urgent. There are green shoots of promise, models that are having an impact, and leaders rising to meet this moment, many of whom we’re honored to support. We hope you’ll read about these initiatives, and how funders are stepping up for local news: https://bit.ly/4aR2N7B

We’re thrilled to introduce Dakota Dukes as our new Administrative Coordinator! A Chicago native, Dakota first discovered her passion for social change in high school, later channeling that energy into both the arts and philanthropy. From teaching violin in underfunded schools to supporting mission-driven organizations, she has consistently sought ways to help others. Before joining #PressForward, Dakota worked for the Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation, where she deepened her knowledge of nonprofits and philanthropy. Now, she’s bringing that same dedication and skill to our mission of strengthening communities by reimagining local news. Beyond the office, you’ll find Dakota practicing aerial silks, yoga, or creating music. Join us in giving Dakota a warm welcome! 👏

Continued new investment in the infrastructure for #LocalNews -- it keeps coming and is meant to supplement the critical, necessary funding direct to newsrooms in America and around the world. Press Forward

👋 Welcome to our new followers! If you're just getting to know Press Forward, our mission is simple: to bring as many resources as possible to local news. Every day, our team wakes up thinking: How do we make the case to funders who have never considered investing in local news? How do we get into rooms that local newsrooms can't to show how news and information impact communities? We launched Press Forward in 2023 with 22 funders, early believers who took a leap with us to strengthen communities by reimagining local news and information. Since then, we've quadrupled the number of funders to 88, invested over $200 million in the field, and launched 36 local chapters in communities across the state. We are stronger together. A coalition like this can make a far greater impact than any one funder alone. 🔵 We hope you will sign up for updates on our work and funding opportunities: pressforward.news/signup/ 🔵 And learn more about what we've accomplished so far: pressforward.news/impact #PressForward #localnews #journalism Caroline Merenda Melissa Milios Davis Lindsey Linzer Sai Omkar Kandukuri Dale Anglin Christina Shih Marika Lynch Villaraos Graham Ringo Kristina Kujawa

Building local support for news takes time, trust, and a community-first approach. After a year of working with Press Forward’s local chapters, we wanted to share what works. Here’s what we’ve learned so far from the 36 Locals coming together to strengthen local news and information: 📌 Building support takes time. Funders don’t always say yes right away, but when they see the need, they show up in a big way. 📌 Everything starts from the ground up. The key is to listen to the community and meet people where they are. 📌 No one can do this alone. The most successful chapters are leaning on partnerships to amplify their impact. 📌 There’s no single roadmap. Every chapter takes a unique approach because every community is different. 📌 Collaboration makes us stronger. Whether responding to a crisis or sharing best practices, our network is better together. . As we head into year two, you can expect to see more stories of journalism funding making an impact, more grants to local news at the national and local levels and more resources for local chapters to do their work well. Learn more about lessons from the Locals: https://bit.ly/4hgWziV Ready to get involved? Let’s talk: https://bit.ly/3wvIayh 🖋️ Christina Shih Thank you Lizzy Hazeltine North Carolina Local News Lab Fund, Nikisha Williams The Miami Foundation, Jesus Garcia-Gonzalez, San Antonio Area Foundation, Nancy Van Milligen, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque for your insights!  

Public policy is an important part of the local news ecosystem and has a growing role in supporting journalists. In a recent publication, Press Forward funders discuss public policy approaches, including public financing, education, and defending first amendment rights. Read more ⬇️ https://bit.ly/4khU8PY

"Every South Florida resident, regardless of where they live or what language they speak at home, deserves access to news and information about their community." - Rebecca Fishman Lipsey, The Miami Foundation. Thank you, Rebecca, for being a guiding light for Press Forward and a force behind #PressForward South Florida, launched this week with seed funding from Knight Foundation and four community foundations! - via Miami Herald cc Nikisha Williams Lindsey Linzer Jocelyn Noya Quintana Melissa White Mary Snow Jennifer O'Flannery Anderson Dale Anglin Christina Shih Ariel Zirulnick Lisa Mozloom

Congrats to #PressForward South Florida on your official launch! 🎉

What would a local media system that prioritizes working and middle classes over corporate profits and the billionaires' interests look like? Nieman Journalism Lab looks at a new public policy agenda by Media Power Collaborative and Free Press.