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
Best Practices for Supporting Elections & Democracy Reporting

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
Civic Information Index

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…
Democracy/Free Expression • Immigration • Safety & Security
Recommended Safety Organizations & Resources

Unlocking U.S. audience demand for international news

This study, written by former Global Press CEO Cristi Hegranes and COO Laxmi Parthasarathy, reveals significant untapped demand for higher-quality international journalism among U.S. readers across diverse demographics, including noncitizen, diaspora, and migrant populations. Drawing on a rigorous methodology—including a nationwide survey of more than 1,200 U.S.-based international news readers,…
Democracy/Free Expression • Effective Grantmaking Practice • International Journalism
Unlocking U.S. audience demand for international news