News from the Field

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

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“Let’s End DV”: A podcast series by Blue Shield of California Foundation about ending domestic violence

Last Spring, Emmy-nominated actor Jonathan Majors and his then-partner Grace Jabbari got into a domestic dispute that ended with Majors’ arrest. Shortly after the case made headlines a firestorm of online debate ensued. A groundswell of support grew for Majors—whose swift ascent to Hollywood stardom positioned him as an A-list celebrity—despite evidence of him assaulting […]

Member Spotlight: William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, established in 1966 by Hewlett-Packard co-founder William Redington Hewlett and his wife Flora Lamson, has a rich history of media funding, one that’s about as old as the foundation itself. Starting with one of its first media grants to the organization now known as KQED, Hewlett has been supporting […]

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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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 […]

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 […]

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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