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
Best Practices for Supporting Elections & Democracy Reporting
In a session from the 2023 Journalism Funders Gathering, Angelica Das, Director of Equitable Journalism at Democracy Fund, shares best practices for supporting elections and democracy reporting. Drawing on data from a community listening project with Democracy Fund grantees, Das outlines concrete ways funders can shift their approach to…
Source:
Democracy Fund
Civic Engagement/Civic Information • Democracy/Free Expression • Effective Grantmaking Practice
Members Only
From Personal Trust to System Trust in the Age of AI
Our panel from the 2026 Media Impact Forum about civic trust in the age of AI
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Media Impact Funders
Platforms & Audience • Science & Tech
Members Only
Funder Briefing: Catalytic Capital for Local News
A presentation and Q&A on Press Forward's "Catalytic Capital for Local News" white paper.
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Media Impact Funders & Press Forward
Effective Grantmaking Practice • Local Journalism
Media Impact Funders YouTube Page
The recording archive of MIF live and virtual programs
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Media Impact Funders
Members Only
Navigating Legal Boundaries in Media Support & Advocacy
In today’s shifting legal and policy landscape, funders and practitioners face complex questions about what is—and isn’t—permissible when supporting media and journalism. This meeting offered practical guidance across two key areas: Initiatives related to diversity, equity and inclusion: What types of funding are permissible in light of recent…
Effective Grantmaking Practice • Safety & Security
Members Only
Philanthropy and the Future of Media and Civic Information
Our opening panel from the 2026 Media Impact Forum on how funders can step up their impact in a moment defined by risk, rapid change and rising stakes for democracy.
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Media Impact Funders
Effective Grantmaking Practice
Practical Grantmaking: INN on How to Find and Support Small, Strong Newsrooms
Practical ways funders can find, support and scale small and strong local newsrooms
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Institute for Nonprofit News
Effective Grantmaking Practice • Local Journalism
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
Members Only
Public Media Briefing: PBS Kids
A conversation with funders and content producers on the importance of children’s public media.
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MIF
Children and Youth • Education • Public Media
Members Only
Reimagining Public Media for the 21st Century
A conversation about what public interest media can and should be.
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Media Impact Funders
Civic Engagement/Civic Information • Effective Grantmaking Practice • 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
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TransLash Media
Democracy/Free Expression • Gender/Women & Girls • LGBTQIA+
Six Ways to Shift Your Philanthropic Mindset
In a session from the 2023 Journalism Funders Gathering, Crystal Hayling, former executive director of the Libra Foundation, shares six ways to shift your philanthropic mindset to meet the past and be an active force in bending history’s arc toward justice.
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Crystal Hayling
Democracy/Free Expression • Effective Grantmaking Practice • Justice
Members Only
The Case for Impact – Webinar
Presenting new case studies on how documentaries can catalyze social change
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Center for Media & Social Impact
Civic Engagement/Civic Information • Impact Evaluation
Members Only
The New Realities of Documentary Funding
This meeting examined the current state of documentary public media, including how federal funding cuts have affected the sector, and opportunities for funders to engage and support this work. Featured Speakers: Carrie Lozano, President & CEO, ITVS Lauren Pabst, Senior Program Officer, MacArthur Foundation…
Effective Grantmaking Practice • 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
The Power of Narrative and the Playbooks Shaping Public Opinion
As polarization intensifies across the U.S., philanthropy must understand how media ecosystems—and the narratives they advance—shape public opinion, identity and civic engagement. Protagonist’s Rita Parhad and Sydney Apple spent -years researching both right-wing and left-wing media ecosystems in a project funded by the Lumina Foundation. At the 2025…
Source:
Protagonist
Civic Engagement/Civic Information • Misinformation/Disinformation • Platforms & Audience