Journalism Grantmaking: New Funding, Models and Partnerships to Sustain and Grow the Field

September 12, 2019
  • Sarah Armour-Jones

Philanthropy is playing an increasingly significant role in supporting journalism—especially local and investigative work, as well as identifying new business models that will work in a competitive digital media landscape.

We are pleased to share our new report, Journalism Grantmaking: New Funding, Models and Partnerships to Sustain and Grow the Field. Written by Sarah Armour-Jones, consultant to Media Impact Funders, the research draws on data from our media grants mapping tool, developed in partnership with Candid (formerly Foundation Center and GuideStar). The report was produced with support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Highlights include:

  • Journalism-focused philanthropy has nearly quadrupled since 2009;
  • Philanthropy is playing a critically important role in advancing new business models for the journalism industry;
  • Community foundations are increasingly becoming key partners in building and sustaining local news and information;
  • Since 2009, community foundations have given $17 million to investigative reporting efforts;
  • And much more
Read the Report
About the Author
Sarah Armour-Jones

Sarah Armour-Jones

Research Consultant

Sarah Armour-Jones is a consultant to foundations, nonprofits and academic institutions, with a focus on media and the role it plays in making lasting social change. Aligning strategic planning, communications, creative campaigns, network development, research and community engagement, Sarah helps organizations tell meaningful stories and increase their impact. Current and past clients include the Rita Allen Foundation, Media Impact Funders, the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, the Proteus Fund, Wharton Research Data Services at the Wharton School, and Free Press. Prior to her work as a consultant, she served as Special Projects Manager for philanthropist David Haas, Officer of Program Administration at the Pew Charitable Trusts, Editorial Assistant at the British Film Institute and Marketing Director at Free Press. Sarah earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. She works from her farmhouse in Vermont along with her husband, three daughters and assorted pets.

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