New Research Spotlight
Philanthropy’s growing role in American journalism: A new study reveals increased funding and ethical considerations
A new study conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago in partnership with Media Impact Funders and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism that examines the role of philanthropy in American journalism found strong growth in support for nonprofit news over the past five years, an increase in funding to for-profit newsrooms, and a growing focus on communities of color.
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Philanthropy’s growing role in American journalism: A new study reveals increased funding and ethical considerations
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Media Impact Funders welcomes submissions from funders and other stakeholders in the fields of media and philanthropy. Email us your ideas at news@mediafunders.org.

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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 […]

February 9, 2022
  • Media Impact Funders

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 […]

November 30, 2021
  • Media Impact Funders

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 […]

October 20, 2021

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 […]

June 3, 2021
  • Media Impact Funders

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 […]

June 2, 2021
  • Media Impact Funders

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 […]

March 2, 2021

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.

February 22, 2021
  • Media Impact Funders

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 […]

February 16, 2021
  • Nina Sachdev

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?

January 7, 2021
  • Nina Sachdev

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 […]

November 18, 2020
  • Media Impact Funders

WATCH: Media equity and American politics—best practices from community centered journalism

This is the first in a series of conversations among journalism funders focused on media equity. Media Impact Funders is committed to elevating discussions on the current state of media equity, and what it will take to support marginalized media makers and the communities they represent. We will continue to shine a light on and […]

October 15, 2020
  • Media Impact Funders

WATCH: The 2020 Journalism Funders Gathering

Last week, we convened our peers for our annual journalism funders gathering to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing journalism—and our nation—today. We hope that our two days of programming and breakout sessions introduced you to new people, new ideas, and a new way forward. We are so grateful to the Jonathan Logan […]

October 13, 2020
  • Media Impact Funders