Press Forward

Excited to share our latest impact report - and how Press Forward’s coalition of ⭐ 88 ⭐ funders has invested more than $200 million in local news to date. Supporting local news has never been more important or urgent. There are green shoots of promise, models that are having an impact, and leaders rising to meet this moment, many of whom we’re honored to support. We hope you’ll read about these initiatives, and how funders are stepping up for local news: https://bit.ly/4aR2N7B

Heading home after a jam packed 36 hours with Press Forward Southern Arizona! Thank you to the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona for the warmest (98 degree) welcome and the opportunity to immerse myself in the local news landscape. Some highlights: Joined Steve Goldstein, Liliana LópezRuelas and Silvia Rivera for an honest yet hopeful discussion about the future of local news. Traveled to the border and met with local news leaders including We Love Nogales/Santa Cruz County Public Media. Finally(!!!) met the team at PATAGONIA REGIONAL TIMES, an org I coached many years ago through NewsMatch. Had a “hybrid” visit with Press Forward grantee Conecta Arizona. I felt such a strong sense of community and commitment from everyone I met — from the chapter advisory board, to donors to grantees and of course, the foundation team under Jenny Flynn’s leadership. Grateful to be your partner in this work! Teresa Gorman John Amoroso

Job alert: Development & Partnerships Manager at Press Forward Salary: $150,000-$180,000 Location: Remote tinyl.co/3L96 via Andrea Gerson

We didn’t just attend a summit — we experienced a moment of clarity. Being part of the Lenfest News Philanthropy Summit reminded us why we do what we do. Representing NotiVisión Georgia —and being the only media outlet from our state at the event— was not only an honor, it was also a reaffirmation of our mission. Throughout the sessions, one truth stood out: the work we do in local journalism is essential, not optional. It’s about more than reporting — it’s about helping communities thrive. Journalism has the power to build bridges between information and action, between isolation and belonging. One of the most powerful takeaways? We need to broaden the conversation about who supports journalism. Education, public health, environmental justice — all of these areas are stronger when our communities are informed. And funders who care about impact in those areas should see journalism as part of the solution, not outside of it. We also heard an important reminder: it’s not enough to tell stories — we have to understand the real-world change they create. That means embracing accountability, being open about what works, and staying connected to the people we serve. And finally, we were reminded that funding is not just financial — it’s relational. Long-term change is built on trust, shared goals, and mutual respect between newsrooms and the people who believe in their work. Connecting with other Latino-led newsrooms across the country was another gift of this summit. We may be in different places, but we share a common drive to elevate voices that have long been overlooked. We return to Georgia recharged, full of new ideas, and more committed than ever to delivering journalism that responds, uplifts, and transforms. Thank you, Press Forward, for making space for voices like ours. The work continues, and we’re proud to be part of this movement. Lenfest Institute for Journalism Press Forward

Our May newsletter is out - have you signed up for updates? In it, you’ll find: 💸 5 lessons on fundraising for the news 📲 A new creator-newsroom collaboration in LA ✏️ A spotlight on how Press Forward local chapters are helping newsrooms 🙌 Plus, we’re hiring a Development and Partnerships Manager! Read the newsletter: https://lnkd.in/ev4xVgqg Sign up for updates: https://lnkd.in/erhkXkYh

What does it take to build a sustainable future for local news? At the 2025 Lenfest News Philanthropy Summit, more than 350 news fundraising professionals gathered to share what’s working—and where we need to go next. From value propositions to donor stewardship, one theme kept rising to the top: fundraising isn’t just about dollars. It’s about relationships, trust, and the ability to clearly show how journalism serves people. A few key takeaways that stuck with us: ✔️ Tell your newsroom’s story as powerfully as you tell your community’s ✔️ Don’t fear the ask—frequency and clarity matter ✔️ Fundraising is a team effort, and the newsroom can be part of the strategy ✔️ Events, if aligned with your values, can deepen donor engagement ✔️ Stewardship is about consistency, listening, and long-term connection We were proud to co-present the summit and grateful to our partners at Lenfest Institute for Journalism and to every participant who is helping grow the field of news philanthropy with rigor and heart. 📚 Read more from the Summit: https://lnkd.in/eBSTrU8J ✏️ Written by Hayley Slusser with Joseph Lichterman Jared Council Marika Lynch Caroline Merenda Andrew Nodell & Graham Ringo

Our 36 chapters play a crucial role in supporting local news nationwide - by providing newsrooms with training and funding and by advancing public policy that expands access to the news.  Take Wichita: the chapter there, led by the Wichita Foundation, is teaming up with national Journalism Support Organization to bring hands-on training and peer support to newsrooms. Learn more about their impact: https://lnkd.in/dQb_bAnC 📷: Courtney Bengtson, Chief Strategy Officer, Wichita Foundation Tiny News Collective LION: Local Independent Online News Publishers

The nation’s strongest local newsrooms are ready to lead if we invest the right resources in their growth. In the latest News@Knight newsletter, David Grant and I took a closer look at the momentum building behind local publishers. For example, in just a month, Lookout Eugene-Springfield is already seeing impressive results since their launch in Oregon. - 900+ paying members - Around 5,000 newsletter subscribers - $175,000 in booked advertising and 26 sponsorship supporters (“marketing partners”) This isn’t just a strong start; it signals a convergence of key trends we’ve observed through the Knight Growth Challenge Fund investments. Together, they give us real confidence we’re entering a new era for local news: - A wealth of growth opportunities: Research from Blue Engine Collaborative shows dozens of counties or clusters across the country could support much more local journalism than they do today. - Experienced, ambitious teams: The best newsrooms are led by talented professionals ready to grow and innovate. - Stronger tools and infrastructure: More mature platforms and support systems are making it easier to scale. - Capital: Major funders are rallying behind bold, sustainable models—and we invite others to join us. The takeaway? Big opportunities, talented teams, and the resources to get it done are aligning. It’s important to celebrate this momentum, and harness it for local news to thrive. Read the full piece and subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/eX9x7PTP  

What a week - thanks to all who presented and attended!

Thankful to have Maribel Perez Wadsworth and John Palfrey in our corner, cheering loudly for the success of local news. Congrats on being named to the TIME100 Philanthropy list!