The Lenfest Next Generation Fund

The Lenfest Next Generation Fund supports professional development opportunities for Philadelphia-area journalists and students of color.

The Lenfest Next Generation Fund supports professional development opportunities for Philadelphia-area journalists and students of color.

Created in 2019, the Lenfest Next Generation Fund aims to increase BIPOC representation in journalism by covering attendance costs for the national professional development conference of the awardee’s choice. After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program evolved to also cover costs of professional equipment and support journalists participating in unpaid internships. 

The Lenfest Next Generation Fund has two tracks: 

  • The Professional Development Track provides awards to support either attendance of a professional development activity of an awardee’s choice or the purchase of equipment used for professional purposes.
  • The Internship Support Track provides funding to support students and journalists while participating in unpaid internships.

Recognizing that in-person networking events provide a stronger chance for journalists and students to create opportunities to grow professionally, The Lenfest Institute increased the awards this year to make these opportunities accessible and to ensure that students of color can pursue meaningful internships without worrying about financial support.

Previous Lenfest Next Generation Award winners

2022 Next Gen Award Winners
2022 winners 2022 winners
2021 Next Gen Award Winners
2021 winners 2021 winners
2020 Next Gen Award Winners
2020 winners 2020 winners

Local News Solutions

The Lenfest Institute provides free tools and resources for local journalism leaders to develop sustainable strategies to serve their communities.

Find Your News Solution
news solution pattern