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
Better Questions, Better Insights
An introduction to the science of questions and inquiry-driven philanthropy
Source:
Siegel Family Endowment
Effective Grantmaking Practice
Civic Information Index
An interactive map that allows you to investigate a community’s civic health
Source:
Press Forward, Listening Post Collective, & Information Futures Lab
Civic Engagement/Civic Information • Democracy/Free Expression • Local Journalism
Impact Assessment for Nonprofit News Projects and their Funders
How-To Guide for Developing Assessment Strategies
Source:
Media Impact Funders
Civic Engagement/Civic Information • Effective Grantmaking Practice • Impact Evaluation
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
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
Narrative Infrastructure for Narrative Immersion
A grantmaking framework for narrative infrastructure strategy
Source:
Pop Culture Collab
Effective Grantmaking Practice • Platforms & Audience
Narrative Observatory
An interactive platform to help you think strategically about reaching the right audience
Source:
Harmony Labs
Arts and Culture • Impact Evaluation • Platforms & Audience
Rebuilding Local Journalism at Scale: A Field-Level Analysis of Infrastructure Needs
An analysis of infrastructure challenges across local journalism
Source:
Media Impact Funders
Civic Engagement/Civic Information • Effective Grantmaking Practice • Local Journalism
This Is Local News Now
A report on rethinking local news stakeholders
Source:
Press Forward
Civic Engagement/Civic Information • Effective Grantmaking Practice • Local Journalism