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The 2020 Media Impact Forum — Earth to World: Cool It
A series of online discussions on philanthropy's role in amplifying media's efforts to address the world's most urgent crisis.
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The 2020 Media Impact Forum — Earth to World: Cool It
Our Work

We advance the work of a broad range of media funders.

There's a saying that you can't be everything to everyone—but that's precisely where we shine. Regardless of your program priorities or grantmaking budget, we're here to help you support better media for a better world.

In addition to hosting in-person and online convenings, we also manage a growing network of journalism funders and organize their annual meeting. We work with foundations and other philanthropy-serving organizations to incorporate media into their own meetings. We publish original news spotlighting funders and exemplary media, and partner with foundations and other organizations to publish research reports. We also maintain a database of information for funders and media makers who are interested in learning more about media impact assessment.

Want more? Browse through our content and offerings.

News from the Field

Stay up to date on the latest news, trends and perspectives in media and philanthropy.

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WATCH: The COVID-19 origin story is a case study for understanding the need for evidence-based communications

Last week, Media Impact Funders hosted a webinar about the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic and implications for media and philanthropy.

June 3, 2020
  • Vincent Stehle

Attendee List for the 2020 Media Impact Forum

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May 29, 2020

Impact Assessment

Networking break People enjoying the VR experience: Awavena May 10, 2018

Since 2013, MIF has provided resources for funders and media producers seeking to build impact strategies and evaluate the outcomes of media projects. Funded by the Rita Allen Foundation, the Wyncote Foundation and the Knight Foundation, our curated collection of resources includes the latest impact tools and original analyses by MIF staff and leaders in the field, a monthly newsletter that highlights current research reports and articles in popular publications, and case studies of highly impactful documentaries and immersive storytelling projects featured in our annual Media Impact Festival.

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Research

As a publisher of original research, we partner with foundations and other organizations to produce reports on the field of media funding.

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Decoding Media Impact: Insights, Advice & Recommendations

This report provides an examination of the current state of the field of media impact assessment, which Media Impact Funders (MIF) has been tracking for seven years.  It is meant to serve as a practical resource for funders who want to understand where to start. Informed by feedback from our network, it represents a synthesis […]

January 23, 2020
  • Katie Donnelly

Journalism Grantmaking: New Funding, Models and Partnerships to Sustain and Grow the Field

Philanthropy is playing an increasingly significant role in supporting journalism—especially local and investigative work, as well as identifying new business models that will work in a competitive digital media landscape. We are pleased to share our new report, Journalism Grantmaking: New Funding, Models and Partnerships to Sustain and Grow the Field. Written by Sarah Armour-Jones, consultant to Media […]

September 12, 2019
  • Sarah Armour-Jones

Journalism Funders Network

Troubled Water: Uncovering Massive Fraud in Flint, Michigan Amy Goodman, Executive Producer, Democracy Now! Curt Guyette, Investigative Reporter, ACLU of Michigan Media Impact Funders Civic Hall, NYC June 28, 2016

In the wake of the 2016 Presidential election, funders across the country are leveraging their substantial influence in policy- and grant-making to reposition quality journalism as the central pillar of American democracy. With consistent threats to news media from the political realm, a lingering public distrust in news media created by the hands of “fake news” purveyors from across the globe, and a tectonic shift in news media consumption from print-based to online, the role of journalism has never been so uncertain nor so deeply vital. As such, the journalism funders network is aimed at strengthening connections among members and giving funders ample opportunities to discuss their current work among peers.

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Science Communications Network

Health Journalism: Collaborations and New Models We learn about the ongoing, multi-year partnership between NPR, Kaiser Health News and NPR member stations, including Philadelphia's own WHYY. L-R: Taunya English, Senior Health Writer, WHYY; Sandra Clark, Vice President for News and Civic Dialogue, WHYY; Scott Hensley, Health Editor, NPR; Diane Webber, Senior Editor, Kaiser Health News; David Rousseau, Vice President of Media and Technology at the Kaiser Family Foundation and Media Impact Funders' Board Chair The American Philosophical Society May 9, 2018

Media Impact Funders has launched a multi-year initiative to develop resources and connections to help funders effectively support productive public engagement with science and evidence.

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Collaborative Events

To help our peers gain a better understanding of media projects, the power of storytelling through documentary films and the impact they can have on pressing social issues, and the importance of funding media, we will work with you to host a special screening or panel at your conference or event.

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Become a Member

Join our growing network of funders who care about effective use of media.
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The Field of Media Funding

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

Media Impact Funders—formally Grantmakers in Film, Video & Television—began on a volunteer basis in 1984 as an affinity group for funders interested in the power of film to highlight social issues.
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