Press Forward MN Closing Coverage Gaps Grant
This funding opportunity supports small, local news organizations in Minnesota that focus on original reporting for underserved communities, aiming to improve media representation and civic engagement.
The Press Forward MN Closing Coverage Gaps Grant offers funding to support small, local news organizations in Minnesota that are dedicated to original reporting within underserved communities. This initiative addresses disparities in media representation and access, particularly for communities that have been historically underrepresented in the media, such as communities of color, linguistically diverse communities, and low-income rural areas. Through this grant, Press Forward MN seeks to enhance civic engagement and reduce polarization by promoting local journalism that meets the informational needs of these communities. The grant provides at least 12 Minnesota-based newsrooms with $40,000 each to support a one-year project. An extension may be granted if more time is required to complete the project. Eligible applicants include newsrooms with operating budgets under $1 million for 2024, that have been publishing original content since at least September 1, 2023. Applicants must also demonstrate editorial independence, transparency, and a commitment to free public access, with content funded by the grant being available without a paywall. Eligible organizations can include both 501(c)(3) nonprofits and for-profit newsrooms, as well as university or college student-run newsrooms with a focus on community-facing reporting. For-profit entities can apply directly or with a fiscal sponsor, though a fiscal sponsor is not required. Ineligible applicants include outlets primarily focused on non-local news, organizations with budgets exceeding $1 million, start-ups not established by September 1, 2023, and organizations based outside Minnesota. Applications for the Press Forward MN grant are accepted from October 21 through November 21, 2024, with decisions announced in January 2025. For further questions, applicants can contact Press Forward MN at pressforwardmn@mcf.org.
Award Range
Not specified - $40,000
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
12
Matching Requirement
No
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
This grant round will invest in small, local news outlets that provide original reporting to underserved communities. Press Forward MN aims to reimagine local news across the state and understands that addressing this growing crisis in news and information will require a variety of solutions and models. Eligible applicants must be local news outlets based in Minnesota focused on providing and producing original local reporting. Applicants must meeting all the following requirements: An operating budget of less than $1 million for 2024 In operation and publishing since at least September 1, 2023 A commitment to editorial excellence, editorial independence, and transparency Organizations agree to publicly publish and not use a paywall for any content and coverage generated through funds from this grant Applicants can be: 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations or for-profit organizations For-profits with an established 501(c)3 fiscal sponsor (Note: fiscal sponsor is not required for for-profits to apply) University or college student newsrooms producing original reporting that is community-facing The following types of organizations are not eligible to apply: Outlets in which the majority of content is not focused on local news Organizations with an operating budget greater than $1 million for 2024 Start-up organizations that have not been publishing since at least September 1, 2023 501(c)(4) organizations Organizations not based in Minnesota
Geographic Eligibility
All
Application Opens
Not specified
Application Closes
Not specified
Subscribe to view contact details