Journalism funded by philanthropy is one of our four strategic pillars. LMA’s Lab for Journalism Funding, launched in September 2020 with support from Google, guided participating publishers through a six-month curriculum developed by a team from The Seattle Times led by Joaquin Alvarado. Through July 2021, the 16 publishers had combined to raise more than $3.5 million, an average of more than $200,000 per publisher. The success of these publishers is strong evidence that philanthropy can be one pillar for sustainably funding local journalism focused on civic good.
Here are recent articles about our own efforts and other industry initiatives to develop philanthropic funding for journalism.
Overcoming funder objections to supporting local news
As more local newsrooms pursue philanthropy as one way to sustain essential journalism, these fundraising novices could apply lessons from their colleagues on the sales side of the media business when it comes to overcoming common objections from funders. Since 2020, the LMA Lab for Journalism Funding, with continued support from Google News Initiative, has…
Meet the 14 newsrooms selected for the 2024 CMP/LMA Colorado News Philanthropy Lab
(July 8, 2024) — Colorado Media Project and Local Media Association are pleased to announce the 14 news organizations selected to participate in an intensive, six-month fundraising lab that brings the proven training of LMA’s Lab for Journalism Funding and CMP’s insights into Colorado philanthropy to independent news organizations across the state. The 14 organizations…
Colorado Media Project, Local Media Association partner to create Colorado News Philanthropy Lab
(May 29, 2024) — Colorado Media Project and Local Media Association are pleased to announce a new partnership that will bring the proven, in-depth training and coaching program of the LMA Lab for Journalism Funding to local newsrooms across Colorado. Community-based, locally controlled Colorado news organizations are invited to apply to join this state-centered cohort…
The Power of Stories: The Daily Herald’s Dynamic Community Impact Report
The Daily Herald has been the leading news and information source in Everett and Snohomish County, Washington, for more than a century. The news organization recently released its Community Impact Report 2023. We asked Brenda Mann Harrison, the journalism development director, to share some background on creating this most recent report. How many years has…
PNA, LMA select 12 news organizations for Pennsylvania Lab for Journalism Funding
(May 7, 2024) — Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association and Local Media Association are pleased to announce the 12 news organizations selected to participate in a first-of-its kind state fundraising lab that brings the proven training of the LMA Lab for Journalism Funding to news organizations in Pennsylvania. The 12 organizations selected represent local newsrooms big and…
Local Media Association, PNA Foundation partner to create Pennsylvania Fundraising Lab
(April 2, 2024) — Local Media Association and the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association are pleased to announce a new partnership that will bring the proven training of the LMA Lab for Journalism Funding to publishers in Pennsylvania. All PNA member news organizations in Pennsylvania are invited to apply to join this first-ever statewide cohort of the…
LMA publishes new report: Sustaining philanthropy for journalism
To receive a download link for the new report, Sustaining philanthropy for journalism, please complete and submit the form at the end of this article. Local Media Association is pleased to announce a new report from the LMA Advanced Fundraising Lab on best practices to sustain philanthropy as one source of funding for essential civic…
LMA/LMF 2023 Impact Report
We’re proud to share inspiring stories of news media organizations that have benefited from our programs Dear friends and colleagues in the local media industry, When we launched the Lab for Journalism Funding three years ago, we knew it would be essential for the industry. Watching one of our lab alumni hire 20 new reporters…
How The Day in Connecticut involved the community in fundraising for important housing coverage
The Day, a daily newspaper in New London, Connecticut, covers a 20-town region in eastern Connecticut. Karen Florin, managing editor and participant in the LMA Lab for Journalism Funding, shares details about its successful fundraising efforts to dig deep into the local housing crisis. Local Media Foundation serves as fiscal sponsor for The Day’s Housing…
Word In Black, groundbreaking collaborative with 10 legendary Black publishers, incorporates as public benefit company
Move comes three years after site launched; is expected to accelerate growth Contact: Julia Campbell, Local Media Foundation, julia.campbell@localmedia.org (January 9, 2024) — The long-anticipated day has finally arrived for 10 of the nation’s most trusted and innovative Black publishers, who have worked hard over the past three years to grow Word In Black into…
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