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.
Learn More
Philanthropy’s growing role in American journalism: A new study reveals increased funding and ethical considerations
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.

Learn More

After Uvalde: Guns, Grief & Texas Politics | FRONTLINE

Eight days after Salvador Ramos turned 18, he walked into his former elementary school armed with a legally-purchased AR-15-style rifle and killed 19 children and two adults—all within about three minutes. The mass shooting happened on May 24, 2022, at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas; it’s now the second deadliest school shooting in the United […]

August 31, 2023
  • Adriana Imhof

MIF receives three-year, $300,000 grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

Media Impact Funders has received a three-year, $300,000 general-operating grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, one of the largest philanthropic institutions in the U.S.

August 31, 2023

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.

Learn More

Research

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

Learn More

Journalism and Philanthropy: Growth, Diversity and Potential Conflicts of Interest

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 […]

August 23, 2023
  • Media Impact Funders

Unlocking U.S. audience demand for international news

Written by Global Press Chief Operating Officer Laxmi Parthasarathy and Global Press CEO Cristi Hegranes, this study establishes that there is a deep reservoir of untapped demand from readers in the United States—across a wide range of demographics, including noncitizen, diaspora and migrant populations—for higher-quality international journalism. The study’s conclusions were derived from a rigorous […]

March 7, 2023

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

Member Briefings

Members and supporters of Media Impact Funders now have the opportunity to initiate and produce issue-related programming for their peers. These hour-long online briefings are open to all MIF members, and are meant to provide more time to learn from one another to maximize the impact of their work.

Learn More

Keep Exploring

Become a Member

Join our growing network of funders who care about effective use of media.
Learn more

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.
Learn more

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.
Learn more