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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Global Press study outlines key opportunity for international newsrooms and funders to better serve U.S. audiences 

Published in partnership with Media Impact Funders, Global Press has released new findings about U.S. audience demand for international journalism, and provides actional recommendations for funders supporting public interest media around the world. “Unlocking U.S. Audience Demand for International News,” a study of 1,200 U.S.-based adults who are regular online news readers, establishes that there […]

March 7, 2023
  • Media Impact Funders

New findings on U.S. audience behavior highlight a path forward for funders of international public interest media

News executives have long wed themselves to the narrative that there is a lack of U.S. audience appetite for international news. But is that true?

March 7, 2023
  • Laxmi Parthasarathy
  • Cristi Hegranes

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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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

Community Foundations & Media: Funding Data from 2009-2021

This report provides a detailed look at community foundation support for media in the U.S., including top funders and recipients, comparisons of funding across regions, and examples of grants across a range of media subjects. Data is drawn from Foundation Maps for Media Funding, an interactive map developed by Candid that shows philanthropically funded media since 2009. […]

July 7, 2021
  • Media Impact Funders

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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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.

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Keep Exploring

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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