Program

Save the date: The 2026 Lenfest News Philanthropy Summit

Hosted by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism and Press Forward

October 21, 2025

Join hundreds of local news fundraising professionals from around the world for the fourth Lenfest News Philanthropy Summit, hosted in partnership with Press Forward, taking place May 18–20, 2026 in Philadelphia.

Held in person for the second time, the Summit offers journalism development professionals the chance to connect with peers, participate in hands-on workshops to sharpen their fundraising skills, and gain insights from inspiring keynote speakers.

At last year’s Lenfest News Philanthropy Summit, The Lenfest Institute and Press Forward convened more than 350 news fundraisers from across the country for two days of hands-on workshops, inspirational keynote speakers, and networking opportunities.

The event is the first and largest convening dedicated solely to providing learning opportunities for journalism fundraising and development professionals, and it is part of the Lenfest News Philanthropy Network, which consists of 4,000 members worldwide.

“Saving local news isn’t a media story. It’s a civic one. And in Philadelphia, for two hopeful, urgent days, that civic story got a room full of authors — ready to write the next chapter,” wrote the Sustainable Media Center after last year’s Summit.

The Summit’s programming is designed to advance the important work of creating sustainable local news organizations that can serve communities for years to come.

Attendance is free, and limited travel support will be available. Applications to attend and pitch sessions will open at a later date. Subscribe to the Lenfest News Philanthropy Network newsletter for future updates on the Summit.