Accelerating Philanthropy: An Update on Press Forward from Maribel Pérez Wadsworth


Maribel Pérez Wadsworth recently shared an update on the Knight Foundation’s efforts to support local journalism through a program called Press Forward. The initiative, launched last year, aims to help local news organizations across the U.S. grow and become more sustainable.

Maribel Pérez Wadsworth
Maribel Pérez Wadsworth

Doubling the Commitment to Journalism

  • Knight Foundation initially committed $150 million to support journalism.
  • With Press Forward, the commitment was increased to $300 million over five years.
  • Most of the funding was allocated in the first year to address urgent needs.

Why the Focus on Local News?

The goal of Press Forward is to help local news organizations thrive because they play a crucial role in keeping communities informed and connected. This investment aims to ensure that local news can continue to serve the public effectively.

New Grants to Expand and Support Local Chapters

Maribel announced $15.5 million in new grants as part of the Press Forward initiative. These grants will be used to:

  • Establish New Chapters: New Press Forward chapters will be launched in:
    • Charlotte, N.C.
    • Tallahassee, Fla.
    • Gary, Ind.
    • State College, Pa.
    • South Florida region.
  • Support Existing Chapters: Additional funding will strengthen the existing Press Forward chapters in:
    • Lexington, Ky.
    • Wichita, Kans.
    • Philadelphia.

Next Steps for the Initiative

The focus now is on evaluating the performance of these investments and identifying any gaps in support. By doing so, the Knight Foundation plans to make adjustments to ensure the best possible outcomes for local news organizations.

Conclusion

The Knight Foundation’s expanded commitment to local journalism demonstrates a strong belief in the importance of a well-informed public. Through Press Forward, the organization aims to help local news adapt and thrive, ensuring communities continue to have access to reliable information.

Sources: Knight Foundation


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