Resource Library
Funders are making decisions in a rapidly changing media landscape that’s increasingly fragmented and difficult to navigate. The MIF resource library exists to make sense of that complexity—with research, tools, frameworks, videos and more to help you think through how to do your work more effectively.
Start with a Learning Pillar Hub—four issue areas that reflect the most pressing strategic questions shaping the media ecosystem today—or browse the full library by topic, format, or focus area.
Members get exclusive access to resources such as tip sheets and network call recordings to stay up to date on the latest trends and strategies in media funding.
Learning Pillar Hubs
MIF’s work is organized around a set of thematic pillars that reflect the core challenges and opportunities facing media funders today. Each of these learning hubs brings together resources related to each pillar, making it easier to stay oriented over time. These hubs are updated continuously as new work, insights and conversations emerge.
Future of Public Media
Supporting funders working to strengthen public media as a trusted, resilient civic institution. This includes questions of sustainability, governance, innovation and public service in a rapidly evolving media environment.
Platforms & Audience Reach
Helping funders understand how platforms, algorithms and distribution systems shape who sees and trusts information, and what it takes for public-interest media to reach and engage audiences today.
Effective Philanthropic Practice
Advancing shared learning about best practices in funding media effectively.
Safeguarding Media & Journalism
Addressing the threats facing independent media and journalism, including political pressure, legal risk, safety concerns and challenges to press freedom, integrity and trust.
Resource Library
A Strategic Framework to Guide Investments in Narrative Change
Philanthropy best practices for narrative change
Source:
USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center
Effective Grantmaking Practice • Impact Evaluation
Arts + Social Impact Explorer
Interactive tool for tracking impact in the arts
Source:
Americans for the Arts
Arts and Culture • Effective Grantmaking Practice • Impact Evaluation
Environmental Media Grantmaking: How Funders Are Tipping the Scales Toward Change
Highlighting trends in environmental grantmaking
Source:
Media Impact Funders
Effective Grantmaking Practice • Environment/Climate • Impact Evaluation
How We Know Journalism is Good For Democracy
Findings that support impact of local news on democracy
Source:
Democracy Fund
Civic Engagement/Civic Information • Democracy/Free Expression • Local Journalism
Impact Field Guide & Toolkit
Step-by-step guide to build your impact campaign
Source:
Doc Society
Arts and Culture • Civic Engagement/Civic Information • Impact Evaluation
Impact Pack
A card deck to spark conversations about impact
Source:
Dot Connector Studios
Effective Grantmaking Practice • Impact Evaluation • Platforms & Audience
Journalism and Media Grantmaking: Five Things You Need to Know and Five Ways to Get Started
The beginner’s guide to media grantmaking
Source:
Media Impact Funders
Effective Grantmaking Practice • Impact Evaluation • Local Journalism
Journalism Grantmaking: New Funding, Models and Partnerships to Sustain and Grow the Field
Ten years of media philanthropy, 2009-2019
Source:
Media Impact Funders
Effective Grantmaking Practice • Impact Evaluation • Local Journalism
Media Grantmaking: Where to Start
MIF's recommended resources for new media funders
Source:
Media Impact Funders
Effective Grantmaking Practice • Impact Evaluation
Members Only
Public Media Bridge Fund Q&A Session
The announcement of the Public Media Bridge Fund marks a critical next step in protecting public media at a time of system-wide risk, as evidenced by Knight Foundation’s leadership in supporting this catalytic effort. Designed to provide immediate emergency support to the most vulnerable stations while also laying the…
Effective Grantmaking Practice • Local Journalism • Public Media
Radio & Audio Grantmaking: Reaching New Audiences Through Old Platforms
Making the case for radio and audio grantmaking
Source:
Media Impact Funders
Effective Grantmaking Practice • Impact Evaluation • Platforms & Audience
Recommended Safety Organizations & Resources
MIF created this tool for funders seeking to expand their journalist and filmmaker safety and press freedom strategies, as well as their grantee resources. The database is comprised of organizations, resources, tools, and emergency funding opportunities sourced from MIF members, colleagues and leading safety and security practitioners—though it is not…
Source:
Media Impact Funders
Democracy/Free Expression • Immigration • Safety & Security
Reimagining Public Media: Strategic Leadership and Innovation in Local News
Strategic leadership and innovation in local news
Source:
Wyncote Foundation
Civic Engagement/Civic Information • Local Journalism • Public Media
Safeguarding Democracy: Imara Jones on Gender Identity Education and the Future of Journalism
TransLash Media Founder & CEO Imara Jones argues that safeguarding democracy requires both educating the public on issues of gender identity and reimagining the practice of journalism
Source:
TransLash Media
Democracy/Free Expression • Gender/Women & Girls • LGBTQIA+
The Growing Strength of Public Media Local Journalism
How to use public media as a tool to evolve local journalism
Source:
Wyncote Foundation
Civic Engagement/Civic Information • Local Journalism • Public Media
The Pivotal Role of Grantmakers in Supporting Successful Mergers & Acquisitions Among Nonprofit Media Organizations
The do’s and don’ts of supporting successful integrations between nonprofit media organizations
Effective Grantmaking Practice • Platforms & Audience