Press Forward’s First Open Call for Funding Will Address Historic Inequalities in Local News Coverage

On Tuesday, May 14, 2025, a gathering of local media outlets convened via Ethnic Media Service’s Zoom News Brief to receive insights into an ambitious initiative poised to rejuvenate local news. This endeavor, backed by a substantial $500 million fund, is set to initiate its inaugural round of funding applications. Spearheaded by Press Forward, the initiative holds the primary objective of addressing the enduring disparities in journalistic coverage experienced by marginalized communities.

Local news outlets with original reporting and a budget under $1 million are eligible to apply for funding from Press Forward. The Open Call on Closing Local Coverage Gaps will allocate over $100,000 to each of the 100-plus selected news outlets, whether they operate as non-profit or for-profit entities. This funding will be flexible, allowing organizations to allocate it as needed to sustain and expand their operations.

Applications will be open until June 12 at pressforward.news.

Dale R. Anglin, Director of Press Forward, emphasized the crucial role of strong local journalism in empowering communities to hold leaders accountable and make informed decisions. However, historically underserved communities have often been excluded from these narratives, leading to a democratic deficit. Press Forward is seeking outlets that bridge these gaps, particularly in rural and urban areas nationwide.

The initiative prioritizes organizations serving underserved audiences such as communities of color, linguistically diverse communities, and low-income rural communities.

Press Forward plans to hold two open calls annually, with the next one focusing on local news transformation in the fall. Organizations that don’t qualify for funding can still create profiles on the Press Forward grantmaking platform, JustFund, accessible to coalition funders.

Established in the fall of 2023, Press Forward aims to build a coalition of local news supporters nationwide. The decline in reliable local news availability is seen as a threat to democracy, leading to increased polarization and the spread of misinformation. Press Forward invests in strengthening local newsrooms, closing coverage gaps, advocating for policies that promote local news access, and developing necessary infrastructure for the sector.

The coalition comprises 57 local and national funders, doubling in size within six months. It operates through aligned grantmaking, local chapters in 17 communities, and a pooled fund for initiatives like the Open Call on Closing Local Coverage Gaps.

Press Forward, housed at The Miami Foundation, is dedicated to revitalizing local news and strengthening democracy. For more information, visit pressforward.news.

For press inquiries, please contact Marika Lynch at communications@pressforward.news.