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.
LMA launches Oklahoma cohort of the Lab for Journalism Funding with support from Google News Initiative
(May 6, 2026) — The Local Media Association Lab for Journalism Funding is launching a new state cohort in Oklahoma, in partnership with the Oklahoma Media Center, thanks to support from Google News Initiative. This program will bring the lab’s proven training and fundraising impact to publishers in Oklahoma, enabling them to sustain their essential…
LMA launches Wyoming cohort of the Lab for Journalism Funding with support from Google News Initiative
(May 6, 2026) — The Local Media Association Lab for Journalism Funding is launching a new state cohort in Wyoming, in partnership with the Wyoming Local News Fund, thanks to support from Google News Initiative. This program will bring the lab’s proven training and fundraising impact to publishers in Wyoming, enabling them to sustain their…
How three newsrooms are using fundraising events to engage audiences and sustain local journalism
In a recent webinar from The Lab Link, hosted by Local Media Association, three news leaders shared how events are evolving from simple gatherings into powerful engines for fundraising, relationship-building and long-term sustainability. Panelists included Claire Linney, vice president of development at The Post & Courier; Jane Wooldridge, formerly senior director for journalism sustainability and…
‘The budget tells the story’: How to detail the dollars in a funding pitch
Want to sharpen your pitch for philanthropic support for your newsroom? Try applying the lessons learned from reporters covering city hall or the statehouse. Journalists on the government beat often hear elected officials make promises on the campaign trail or describe bold solutions in their annual addresses. These reporters know the real story is not…
Medill Local News Initiative and LMA launch the Midwest Advanced Fundraising Lab
(March 24, 2026) — Local Media Association and Medill Local News initiative are pleased to announce the launch of the Medill-LMA Midwest Advanced Fundraising Lab. The program will help nine local news organizations in the region develop and execute advanced strategies to fund essential local journalism via philanthropy. The three-month intensive program runs from March…
How to engage and grow your audience on Local News Day
If your newsroom is looking for a way to rally community support and celebrate the essential role of local journalism, mark your calendars for April 9. Local News Day is a new grassroots movement designed to empower newsrooms to connect with their audiences and speak with one voice about the value they provide to their…
Pitch Day winners showcase local journalism’s power as a convener
Meet the winners from Pitch Day for the 2025-2026 national cohort of the LMA Lab for Journalism Funding One powerful way local news outlets can serve their audiences is by being a community convener and connector. That’s one takeaway from the latest “Pitch Day” from the LMA Lab for Journalism Funding, where a panel of…
LMA/LMF 2025 Impact Report
We’re proud to share inspiring stories of news media organizations that have benefited from our programs Dear Friends of LMA and LMF, Many great things happened in LMA/LMF programs in 2025, and this report tells those stories of successes for local media of all kinds and sizes. We would seem naive, however, if we did not acknowledge…
Unlocking the power of planned giving: A long-term strategy for newsroom sustainability
Planned giving is an often-overlooked strategy in newsroom fundraising, yet it may be one of the most powerful tools available to strengthen journalism for the long term. “A planned gift is typically the largest gift a person can leave [in their lifetime], often six figures,” said Anna January, director of philanthropy at Wisconsin Watch. Up…
How newsrooms can win on Giving Tuesday — and keep the momentum all year long
Local newsrooms have a unique opportunity this year to turn community trust into tangible support on Giving Tuesday, the global day of generosity that follows Thanksgiving. In a recent episode of the Keep It Local podcast, Local Media Association Director of Fundraising Initiatives Kristyn Cooper said Giving Tuesday represents “a day dedicated to giving for…
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