Newsletter

Solution Set: How statewide nonprofit newsrooms are making an impact

By Mark Glaser

June 11, 2026

If you regularly read your state’s nonprofit news reports, you likely are well informed about the government, elections, and key civic information. Not only that, but you are much more likely to take action by signing a petition, participating in a protest, or even running for office. That’s the finding of the latest research from The Lenfest Institute by Danny Hayes, authored by George Washington University Professor Danny Hayes. He surveyed residents in five states about statewide nonprofit news organizations there: Mountain State Spotlight, Spotlight PA, the Colorado Sun, the Nevada Independent, and Mississippi Today — all members of the Institute’s Statewide News Collective (SNC).

Building on earlier research conducted in 2024, the study examined how these outlets reach audiences, earn trust, and contribute to civic life. Across the five states studied, these outlets have become widely used and trusted sources of information, with readers reporting higher levels of knowledge about local affairs and greater civic participation than non-readers (see the chart above). Many readers also described specific stories that had a meaningful impact on their lives.

Some key findings from the research include:

• Between 20% and 36% of residents in each state report getting news from their state’s nonprofit outlet at least occasionally.
• Three-quarters of readers view these outlets as trustworthy, and many rate them as highly effective at covering important community issues.
• Readers are generally better informed about local affairs and more likely to participate in civic and community activities than non-readers.
• Up to half of readers could recall a story that affected them personally, often by increasing awareness, creating emotional engagement, or motivating civic action.

“For local journalists, as well as organizations and funders that support independent journalism, these findings offer more than validation,” wrote Hayes. “They provide a framework for thinking about impact that goes beyond audience metrics. Reach matters, but so does the quality of attention readers bring to this journalism and what they do with it afterward. SNC outlets appear to be cultivating both.”

Read the full report Read the full report

Now let’s get to some timely resources for newsrooms, including:

📷 Up to £10,000 grants for young photojournalists

🤖 Up to $25,000 for AI accountability fellowships

🏥 Learn about reporting on public health from KFF Health News

🔎 Access a new local news research hub from Rebuild Local News

Did we miss any resources? Drop us a line here and let us know.

🧠 Brain food: insights from the field 

2026 INN Index: Revenue and Expenses from INN

“Between 2022 and 2025, the share of INN members drawing on four or more distinct revenue streams increased from 38% to 49%…In 2019, just 10% of membership-wide operating expenses went to revenue generation. By 2025, the share was 16%, the highest on record, which shows a modest and incremental shift [see chart above].”

2026 Civic Information Index powers local assessments of civic health – now including environmental resilience data by Caroline Hoffman

“Brown University’s Information Futures Lab and Listening Post Collective announced the launch of the 2026 Civic Information Index, a first-of-its-kind framework and practical data tool for assessing the state of civic health and civic information across the U.S. The Index provides unique insights into the strengths and challenges of every community in the country, combining 27 diverse data sets — such as the Census response rate, broadband access, and housing insecurity — into one framework. The Index underscores news and information as an essential part of civic infrastructure necessary to enable robust, thriving communities.”

Dear local news: Here’s why funders say no by Megan Griffith-Greene at Poynter

“Building trust isn’t done in one meeting, and may take time before the work bears fruit. And some of these perceptions may not be insurmountable; it may make sense to move on or wait until there are changes on the board…Making the case — for your organization and for local news funding more broadly — can be a lot of work. But over time, building this muscle can help you build relationships that last longer than one grant.”

The political disclosure problem creator journalists can’t ignore by Liz Kelly Nelson at Project C

“I’ve talked with several journalists working in the creator ecosystem who are telling me they’re getting more and more of these offers for paid deals. Not a surprise that journalists working in the creator ecosystem would be treated similarly to run-of-the-mill influencers whose standards are just different. In every case, I advise them to steer clear. These arrangements are becoming normalized…Because journalists have traditionally been so segregated from the business side of journalism, they’re entering into these deals without fully understanding what they’re risking.”

____________________________________________________________

Grants & fellowships: bring in the 💰

Grants

• Vernon Jarrett Award for Journalistic Excellence from Morgan State University – The $10,000 award is open to all journalists across multimedia platforms. Only one nomination is permitted for each journalist. Media outlets are limited to two entries. Submissions can include any work published between September 1, 2025 and May 1, 2026. Apply by June 19.
• Tarbell Center for AI Journalism Grants – Tarbell offers grants of $1,000 to $20,000 to support original reporting on AI published in established outlets, whether from freelancers or staff. They primarily fund written journalism but are open to supporting other formats. They are seeking applications across six focus areas: 1) accountability reporting; 2) AI policy and politics; 3) AI explainers and analysis; 4) AI in government and militaries; 5) AI labor impacts; and 6) AI developments in China. Apply by July 12.
• Ian Parry Photojournalism Grants – The program is an international photographic competition for young photographers who are 24 years of age or under, or anyone who is studying in a full-time photographic course. Entrants must submit a portfolio of 12 images and a clear proposal of a project they would undertake if they received the grant. Recipients receive £10,000 towards their chosen project, along with a loan of Canon equipment and publication of images by The Guardian. The grants are in honor of photojournalist Ian Parry who died while on assignment in 1989. Apply by August 31.
• Shackelford Shines Stipend from the Tiffany Shackelford Foundation – Up to 10 stipends each year to support individuals in the journalism community. These stipends are aimed at helping professionals attend events and programs to enhance their skills as innovative editors, reporters, technologists, or similar roles. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
• Collaborative Operating Models Program from the Public Media Bridge Fund – The first open call under the Sustainability Program focuses on advancing collaborative operating models across the public media system. The purpose of this initiative is to implement new operating and collaborative structures that strengthen the long-term sustainability of public media organizations. Investments up to $500,000 include grants, low-interest loans, and advisory services. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Special opportunity

• Tech for Journalism Program from Indiegraf – The Tech for Journalism Program gives independent publishers and media organizations access to technology they need to grow — a website, newsletter, ad serving tools, and expert services — at a steep discount. This initiative provides access to Indiegraf’s technology stack and services at discounts that reduce over time. The program aims to support publishers in expanding digital coverage for underserved communities, and building sustainable audience and revenue growth. Applications accepted on a rolling basis but spots are limited.

Fellowships

• Research Fellowship from Kapor Foundation – The fellowship supports journalists producing long-form investigative reports and tech policy researchers conducting research, analysis, or evaluation that informs policy related to the Kapor Foundation’s three priority areas, with an emphasis on responsible AI and tech ethics. The goal is to foster a deeper understanding of the barriers that exist but also drive actionable solutions.Each fellow receives $35,000. Applications accepted on a rolling basis; fellows announced by June 30.
• AI Accountability Fellowships from Pulitzer Center – The fellowships seek to support journalists working on in-depth AI accountability stories that examine governments’ and corporations’ uses of predictive, generative, and surveillance technologies to guide decisions in policing, medicine, social welfare, criminal justice, hiring, and more. The 10-month fellowship will provide journalists up to $25,000 — up to $20,000 for reporting and $5,000 for engagement activities. Apply by July 12.
• Data Fellowship from USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism – A five-month program equips journalists with the tools to find and obtain data and perform analyses that can yield new and important investigative insights for health reporting. Fellows receive a $2,000 stipend to defray reporting costs; a multi-day, in-person training in beginner, intermediate, or advanced spreadsheets or RStudio; and five months of professional mentorship with top data journalists. Apply by July 22.
• The Future of Work Reporting Fellowship from New America – The fellowship supports early- and mid-career journalists producing in-depth reporting that examines how education, workforce development, and the innovation economy converge — and what that means for people’s lives and livelihoods. The fellowship includes a $5,000 stipend, coaching, and an expense budget. Apply by July 24.
• Brain Health Reporting Fellowship from Poynter – A year-long fellowship designed to help journalists strengthen their reporting on brain health, neuroscience, and scientific research. It will bring together 30 journalists from across the country for advanced training, personalized coaching, and direct access to leading journalists, researchers, and medical experts. The program begins in December 2026 with a three-day convening at Poynter’s campus followed by monthly virtual workshops and individualized coaching throughout 2027. Fellows receive a $3,000 stipend. Apply by September 22.
• Shorenstein Fellowships at Harvard Kennedy School – The program brings together journalists, technologists, scholars, policymakers, and political practitioners to pursue independent work while contributing to the Center’s broader research community. Fellows produce original content such as op-eds, essays, or stories that advance public understanding of the information ecosystem. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Training: upskill FTW 🎓

• Walking the news: Building walking tours to engage audiences and generate revenue from The Lenfest Institute, June 11 (today!) at 2 pm EDT. Drawing on her experience launching tours for Future Tides, supplemented by research conducted during her RJI Fellowship, Cara Kuhlman will introduce a “tours-as-journalism” model, showing how walking tours can function as storytelling platforms, engagement tools, and revenue streams. She will also explore practical guidance for designing and piloting a tour in your community.
• Reporting on public health in the current political environment from the National Press Club, June 16 at 11 am EDT. Join a timely conversation with KFF Health News journalists Julie Rovner and Amanda Seitz exploring how journalists can gain trust and navigate misinformation and controversial statements from officials while producing accessible, fact-based journalism. They will share practical insights on translating data and industry jargon for broad audiences, making tough editorial judgements when covering public health issues, and building trust in a fractured media environment.
• Driving subscription growth, retention, and high-impact journalism with The Philadelphia Inquirer from The Lenfest Institute, June 17 at 1 pm EDT. Join the Lenfest Audience Community for a conversation with Ross Maghielse, deputy managing editor at The Inquirer, about how the publication is fueling triple-digit subscription growth, increasing reader revenue, and strengthening subscriber retention in a highly competitive media landscape. The session will explore what’s driving the Inquirer’s recent subscription growth, how the organization is convincing readers to pay for journalism, and the tactics it’s using to retain subscribers and build long-term loyalty.
• Shameless self-promotion: Selling your newsroom idea clearly, concisely, and compellingly from The Lenfest Institute, June 25 at 3 pm EDT. Back by popular demand from last month’s Lenfest News Philanthropy Summit, the Institute is bringing Ken Schneck’s session online for a virtual encore. Marketing your newsroom’s work is essential to securing support, building audiences, and advancing your mission. Ken will help participants strengthen their elevator pitch, identify barriers to self-promotion, and find the words that clearly communicate the uniqueness and fundability of their work.
• Beat Academy: Midterm Prep from Poynter, July 15. During this 75-minute webinar, participants will learn alongside peers from across the country, guided by Jon Greenberg (Beat Academy lead faculty), Caryn Baird (Poynter news researcher) and Amy Sherman (PolitiFact senior correspondent). Attendees will receive practical tip sheets, reporting resources, and real-world strategies designed to help journalists cover the election with depth, accuracy, and confidence.
• The Business of Journalism in the Age of AI from the University of Maryland, monthly webinar series through December; free with registration. Aims to teach news leaders how to reinvent themselves to best serve the public. In this webinar series, experts from the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism and Robert H. Smith School of Business team up with industry leaders to offer their unique perspectives on how the news industry must evolve to thrive in the age of AI.

Support: Get the help you need ☎️

• Local News Research Hub from Rebuild Local News and Syracuse University – Access a curated collection of studies that show how local news’ decline affects communities and the solutions emerging across the country. Building on Democracy Fund’s literature review, the Hub collates and regularly updates the evidence base to guide more targeted investments and policy interventions that support the local news ecosystem.
• AI & Emerging Technologies Consulting from Poynter – Poynter works with clients to both seize the potential of AI tools and safeguard against their risks. Whether you’re developing editorial policies, experimenting with automation, or training your team to use AI responsibly, Poynter provides strategic guidance, practical support, and ethical frameworks.
• The Civic Partnerships Playbook from El Tímpano – The playbook walks newsroom leaders through the full arc of building a civic partnerships program: assessing whether the model fits their outlet, developing a strategy, setting prices, finding and pitching partners, and evaluating results. It addresses questions about the difference between civic partnerships and advertising, and the risks of working with government agencies.
• Media Resilience Network (MDRNet) from Vita Activa – network to support journalists. Message on Signal to +973-626-7394 or email [email protected]. Free, anonymous and confidential. Services include: peer support, coaching, and mental health counseling; task forces and training for newsrooms; community-based partnerships, building bridges among journalism organizations, schools, and local allies.
• The Lenfest Expert Network from The Lenfest Institute – The Expert Network connects local news organizations with experienced consultants who provide pro bono hands-on support to strengthen sustainability, audience engagement, and digital transformation for short-term consulting engagements lasting one to six months. Interested in joining an upcoming consulting round? Sign up for office hours here.

Events: learn and network 📅

• INN Days from the Institute for Nonprofit News, June 16–18 in Pittsburgh. INN Days brings together nonprofit news leaders, technologists, and business strategists to identify and solve the nonprofit news field’s toughest challenges. 
• IRE26 from Investigative Reporters & Editors, June 18–21 in National Harbor, Md. The conference is about all things investigative, data, storytelling, public records, networking, finding old friends and new and much more.
• AAJA26 from Asian American Journalists Association, June 24–28 in Minneapolis. AAJA attracts around 1,500 attendees for networking, workshops, and career development, bringing together AAPI journalists and allies to discuss industry issues, foster mentorship, and promote diversity in media. 
• SRCCON, July 8–9 in Minneapolis. SRCCON is a hands-on conference, full of conversations and workshops focused on the practical challenges that news technology and data teams encounter every day.
• Indigenous Media Conference , July 22–24 in Portland, Ore. IMC is focused on enhancing accurate, contextual reporting on Indigenous people and communities while overcoming media stereotypes. It brings together Indigenous journalists, media professionals, and allies for education and networking.
• National Association of Hispanic Journalists Conference, July 22–25 in New Orleans. Annual event for Latino journalists, media professionals, and students, dedicated to career development, networking, and improving representation in the news industry.
• National Association of Black Journalists Conference, August 12–16 in Atlanta. Attendees go to hundreds of training sessions, workshops, entertainment, and networking events. Among thousands of attendees, everyone leaves with new professional contacts, inspired to enhance the journalism industry.
• Local Media Fest from Local Media Association, August 18–20 in Chicago. The event is focused on revenue growth, digital innovation, and sustainability for local news organizations.
• Independent News Sustainability Summit from LION Publishers, September 9–11 in San Diego. Brings together local independent online news leaders to share knowledge, hard-won lessons, and actionable advice on running a sustainable news business.
• NLGJA’s National Convention, September 10–13 in San Francisco. The country’s leading event for LGBTQ+ journalists, media professionals, students, and educators. The community spans every corner of the industry, from broadcast and print to digital and radio.

Ask a Bot 🤖

Prompt: In two sentences, explain the advantages and disadvantages of running a nonprofit community newsroom vs. a for-profit community newsroom.

Answer via Gemini AI: Nonprofit community newsrooms gain trust and stable funding through philanthropic grants and public donations, but they must dedicate significant resources to non-stop fundraising and legally cannot endorse political candidates. In contrast, for-profit community newsrooms can generate immediate revenue through unrestricted commercial [ad] sales and freely engage in political advocacy, but they often struggle with volatile advertising markets and pressure to prioritize profit over deep civic reporting.

Human analysis: It gets the non-stop fundraising and advocacy elements just right, along with profit incentives. However, many nonprofit newsrooms are engaging in earned revenues and other income as explained in the latest INN Index, while many for-profit newsrooms are using fiscal sponsorship to go after grants as well. In sum, the differences between the two are becoming less overt when it comes to mission-driven newsrooms. Bonus points: Gemini includes links to its sources.

For more key resources, check out The Lenfest Institute’s Solutions & Resources index.