WATCH: Here’s how Color Congress is building a more inclusive documentary film ecosystem
We didn’t get to have our annual funder meeting at Sundance, but we were eager to make space for our film funders to connect with each other and build in time to reflect on the film festival as a group. We also learned about a new field-building organization called the Color Congress. The organization, seeded […]
WATCH: Making the case for local journalism, featuring “Storm Lake”
Is one of your goals to increase support for local news and media in your region? If so, MIF presented a special opportunity to learn more about how to make the case for increased media and journalism investments through the documentary film “Storm Lake.” “Storm Lake,” about a family-run Iowa newspaper that has been struggling […]
WATCH: How funders can use data maps to inform funding decisions
In partnership with Candid (formerly Foundation Center and GuideStar)—which provides data-driven tools, educational resources and trainings, analyses, and more to the philanthropic sector—MIF offered a workshop to help funders learn how to use data maps to inform funding priorities and strategic decision-making. These maps are free, interactive tools that show the full scope of philanthropically-funded […]
WATCH: “Philly DA” offers a compelling close-up of criminal justice reform
Earlier this month, Philadelphia’s reform-oriented District Attorney Larry Krasner cruised to a landslide victory in his bid for re-election, consolidating power behind his efforts to remake the criminal justice system in Pennsylvania’s largest city. For anyone interested in understanding how Krasner was able to gain that position and wield the power of that office, we […]
Watch the 2021 Journalism Funders Gathering
Our annual meeting of journalism funders has come to a close, but the work is far from over (Here’s looking at you, anti-disinformation defenders and news equity warriors). We know the challenges facing journalism are heady—and at times overwhelming—though we hope our speakers inspired you to meet these times with a sense of innovation and […]
WATCH: How funders are supporting media to foster community narratives
A new report from the Wyncote Foundation that profiles eight place-based organizations that use media for cultural expression served as the backdrop for this important discussion highlighting how funders can celebrate “place.” Grantmakers, policymakers and advocates seeking to build support for local public interest media rightly focus on the essential role of journalism that equips […]
WATCH: Bold efforts to promote vaccine access & confidence
According to latest numbers, 1 in 4 Americans don’t want the COVID-19 vaccine. Whether due to hesitancy, fear, mistrust or politicization, it’s clear that we’re not out of the woods yet. In this webinar—the third discussion MIF has hosted about addressing vaccine hesitancy—we heard from philanthropic leaders on the various ways they are supporting media […]
WATCH: Polarization in America
The impact of polarization on American society cannot be overstated. It is increasingly affecting what we do (masks or no masks?), who we listen to (CNN or OANN?), and even how we think (fair or rigged election?). And the division is only deepening. These days, hostility to those with opposite views has reached a level […]
The 2021 Media Impact Forum
This is where you’ll find recaps of each our five 2021 Media Impact Forum sessions. This year’s Media Impact Forum is focusing on evidence-based communications through one online discussion a month from February to June. The recorded sessions appear in chronological order below.
WATCH: Supporting digital public spaces that put people over profit
What should digital public spaces look like? For the third and final installment of our series exploring the problems and solutions of Big Tech, we heard from four organizations—Amara, Mozilla, Wikimedia Foundation and VolunteerMatch—that have built digital public spaces that serve all communities. These organizations, whose business models center on people over profit, strive to […]
WATCH: How can philanthropy invest in a more equitable tech sector?
How can philanthropy invest in a more equitable technology sector as a means to combat some of the threats that Big Tech poses to democracy?
WATCH: Addressing the impact of Big Tech
It’s impossible to live in the digital world without engaging with Big Tech. These behemoth information technology companies—Apple, Google, Facebook, etc.—influence all facets of life, impacting us in ways we are only just starting to understand. While these platforms are making good on the promise of keeping us connected, the effects have been catastrophic. Turns […]