The Field

Funders, media makers and nonprofits are working together to unleash the power of media to move the needle on important social issues.

The term “media” now means so much more than just journalism and newspapers.

It encompasses a vast array of activities from developing mobile phone apps to launching advocacy campaigns to strengthening the policies and infrastructures involved in media creation, transmission and access. While not all funders expressly consider themselves media funders, more are becoming aware that—regardless of their programmatic goals and issue area—supporting media not only helps them achieve their stated objectives, but also serves as a powerful tool for social change.

About the Field

Whether they are concerned about health, climate change or other environmental issues, or any other pressing public-interest issue, more and more foundations are recognizing the power of media. Learn more about the importance of media funding and its role in preserving civil society, the scope of media funding, the history of the field and examples of foundations and their myriad initiatives to support effective media.

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Mapping the field of media and philanthropy: The latest data, networks and trends

Developed in partnership with Candid (formerly Foundation Center), our media grants data map is a free, interactive mapping and research tool that shows the full scope of philanthropically-funded media projects worldwide since 2009. This tool enables users to see, understand and dig deep into the numbers, networks and trends surrounding media and philanthropy.

Explore the Map

Reports from the Field

IssueLab, a service of the Foundation Center, is a searchable, curated collection of reports that provide users with a deep dive into social issues. Our collection is dedicated to research on media and journalism trends, analyses, case studies and more.

Explore the Collection

News from the field

MIF Member Spotlight: American Journalism Project

Since its founding in 2019 by Elizabeth Green and John Thornton (founders of Chalkbeat and The Texas Tribune, respectively), the American Journalism Project has awarded $55.3 million in grants to 44 partner organizations across 33 states. Launched with a $20 million, 5-year commitment from John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, with additional support from […]

March 22, 2024
  • Nina Sachdev

“Let’s End DV”: A podcast series by Blue Shield of California Foundation about ending domestic violence

Last Spring, Emmy-nominated actor Jonathan Majors and his then-partner Grace Jabbari got into a domestic dispute that ended with Majors’ arrest. Shortly after the case made headlines a firestorm of online debate ensued. A groundswell of support grew for Majors—whose swift ascent to Hollywood stardom positioned him as an A-list celebrity—despite evidence of him assaulting […]

January 31, 2024
  • Adriana Imhof

Member Spotlight: William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, established in 1966 by Hewlett-Packard co-founder William Redington Hewlett and his wife Flora Lamson, has a rich history of media funding, one that’s about as old as the foundation itself. Starting with one of its first media grants to the organization now known as KQED, Hewlett has been supporting […]

January 31, 2024
  • Nina Sachdev
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