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 Funder’s Guide to Building Social Cohesion
Get started with recommended entry points to funding democratic health and bridge building
Source:
PACE
Effective Grantmaking Practice
A Guide to Assessing Your Local News Ecosystem
Step-by-step toolkit for funding news in your community
Source:
Democracy Fund
Civic Engagement/Civic Information • Effective Grantmaking Practice • Local Journalism
Executing Accessible Zoom Meetings
Our step-by-step guide to hosting accessible virtual meetings
Source:
Media Impact Funders
Effective Grantmaking Practice
Foundation Maps for Media Funding
Media Grants Map How-To Guide
Source:
Media Impact Funders
Effective Grantmaking Practice • Impact Evaluation
Guidance on Philanthropic Funding of Media and News
Ethics guidance for new funders
Source:
American Press Institute
Civic Engagement/Civic Information • Effective Grantmaking Practice • 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
Journalism Trust Kits
Ways to tackle journalism’s trust problem
Source:
Trusting News
Civic Engagement/Civic Information • International Journalism • Local Journalism • Misinformation/Disinformation
Legal Compliance Guidances
Legal reference materials on a variety of matters affecting funders and nonprofits updated regularly
Source:
Council on Foundations
Effective Grantmaking Practice • Safety & Security
Members Only
Member Portal User Guide
Reference guide for the MIF Member Portal
Source:
Media Impact Funders
Philanthropy’s New Voice: Building Trust with Deeper Stories and Clear Language
A guide to help foundations build trust with their communities through story
Source:
Council on Foundations
Civic Engagement/Civic Information • Effective Grantmaking Practice • Impact Evaluation
The Filmmaker-Participant Relationship Unpacked
A thorough examination of the filmmaker-participant relationship in documentary filmmaking
Source:
ITVS
Effective Grantmaking Practice • Impact Evaluation • Safety & Security