Journalism & Media Grant Guidelines - MacArthur Foundation
Supports nonprofits advancing just, accurate, and inclusive journalism, media, and documentary storytelling to strengthen democracy and equity.
Funder: MacArthur Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2026 (application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Typical grants range from $600,000 to $2,000,000 over 2–3 years; actual amounts vary by organization and project.
Summary: Supports nonprofit organizations advancing just, accurate, and inclusive journalism, media, and documentary storytelling.
Key Information: Not accepting unsolicited proposals; contact the program to share ideas or learn about open calls.
Description
The MacArthur Foundation's Journalism & Media program aims to strengthen democracy and equity by supporting nonprofit organizations that create, disseminate, and amplify just, accurate, and inclusive news and narratives. The program invests in three core areas: Professional Nonprofit Reporting, Nonfiction Multimedia Storytelling, and Participatory Civic Media. The focus is on building strong, independent, and sustainable media organizations and networks; addressing barriers to media creation and participation (including legal, safety, and technological challenges); and fostering learning, leadership, and innovation in the media field.
The program also maintains a legacy of supporting social issue documentary films, primarily through grants to organizations that provide resources and infrastructure for filmmakers via open calls, fellowships, labs, and networks, rather than direct funding to individual film projects.
