Press Forward fundraising coaching and support

News organizations interested in applying for funding from Press Forward can receive coaching and support from The Lenfest News Philanthropy Network.

The Lenfest News Philanthropy Network is partnering with Press Forward to offer complimentary fundraising coaching and grant writing support to local news organizations applying to Press Forward’s first open call for funding.

Local news outlets that fill coverage gaps with original reporting — and have a budget of up to $1 million — are eligible to apply for the Press Forward Open Call on Closing Local Coverage Gaps, which will provide 100-plus news outlets with an expected $100,000 each in funding, whether they are nonprofit or for-profit entities. The funding will be unrestricted, general operating support, allowing the news organizations to spend it as needed to sustain and grow their operations. Press Forward is accepting applications from April 30-June 12, 2024. Full details are available from Press Forward.

News organizations that are eligible for the Open Call can receive up to two 30-minute coaching sessions to support their applications. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis, so organizations may schedule both of their coaching sessions when they sign up to ensure availability.

To schedule a time with a Press Forward Fundraising Coach, please click on their photos below and choose a time on their Calendly page. After signing up via Calendly, applicants must complete a short additional form to share more details about themselves, how they’d like to spend their coaching time, and any documentation or draft applications.

Applicants can choose from two types of coaching sessions:

Strategy Planning – The coach will offer strategic guidance and support for how the organization can best position itself for support.
Application Review – The coach will review a draft of your application and offer feedback. You must submit it at least 24 hours before your meeting.

Please email [email protected] with any questions.

Press Forward Coaches

Karol Andrea Mason – Schultz & Williams

Karol is a nonprofit strategist with 20+ years of progressive leadership and expertise in grant writing, corporate/foundation relations, major gifts, public relations, special events, and more.

Molly Penn – Penn Creative Strategy

As a consultant to mission-based organizations for two decades, Molly has deep experience with organizations and foundations of all sizes and a broad range of missions.

Marissa Lewis – Penn Creative Strategy

Marissa is experienced in non-profit management as both grantmaker and grantseeker, including fundraising, strategy, grant/grantee management, and board development.

Janice L. Shapiro – Penn Creative Strategy

Janice coaches and consults with individuals and nonprofits seeking to shift into positivity and empowerment.

Fraser Nelson

Fraser co-founded the National Trust for Local News. Before that she led The Salt Lake Tribune’s groundbreaking work to become a nonprofit. She has led purpose-driven organizations across industries.

Ashley Woods Branch

Ashley has two decades of experience as a journalism founder, leader, and executive. Ashley is the interim executive director of the Fund for Equity in Local News.

Johanna Derlega – Beech Strategies

Johanna was most recently the founding chief revenue officer of The 19th. Beech Strategies focuses on revenue strategy consulting, building healthy internal teams for sustainable growth and leadership

Jill Kunishima – JMK Consulting

As a professional fundraiser with over 15 years of experience, Jill has worked with a diverse array of organizations and has raised millions of dollars in service of their missions and visions.

Intro to Grant Writing course

The Lenfest News Philanthropy Network is also offering free access to Intro to Grant Writing, an asynchronous program that will walk you through every stage of the grant writing process.

The program, led by Molly Penn and Marissa Lewis of PENN Creative Strategy, covers everything from research to relationship-building to crafting the perfect proposal. The videos are accompanied by our Grant Writing Workbook, which will help you map out your grant writing strategy.

Access Intro to Grantwriting