A new chapter for local news: Celebrating 10 years of The Lenfest Institute

May 4, 2026

Ten years ago, the late H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest and his family launched The Lenfest Institute for Journalism, now among the most important forces in the revitalization of local journalism in America.

Over the past decade, the Institute has awarded more than $117 million to 600 grantees, thanks to the support of over 6,000 donors.

We thank each and every one of our partners in this important work.

In celebration of our first decade, we are proud to share The Lenfest Institute’s 10^th Anniversary Report: “Five Stories Over Ten Years.” The report highlights five ways in which The Lenfest Institute, our donors, and our partners have helped spur the growth of local news since our founding in 2016, including:

The Philadelphia Inquirer is profitable, growing, and substantially transformed into a digital news enterprise. As the largest U.S. newspaper under nonprofit ownership, its structure is being replicated across the country.

The Every Voice, Every Vote news coalition has created a comprehensive civic news effort by bringing together more than 70 Philadelphia newsrooms and community groups to better connect residents to their local government.

Spotlight PA, Pennsylvania’s leading statewide investigative news enterprise, distributes its groundbreaking investigative coverage free-of-charge to more than 120 partner news organizations across the state.

The Lenfest News Philanthropy Network, a community of news fundraising professionals, serves over 3,000 members coast-to-coast. The Lenfest Expert Network operates the largest pro-bono consulting and advisory business serving local news in the United States.

The Lenfest AI Collaborative and Fellowship program is the most expansive national effort to facilitate artificial intelligence innovation and safety within local news publishers.

We thank you for believing in our collective efforts to support durable local news organizations that serve the public interest.

None of this would be possible without you.

With deep gratitude and thanks,

Jim Friedlich

Executive Director & CEO

Read our 10th anniversary report