[Community Foundation for Southern Arizona](https://cfsaz.org)

February 2027 | March 2027

$15,000–$75,000 per grant; one-year duration; over $225,000 awarded since 2024

Supports local news organizations and providers to strengthen journalism and fill critical information gaps in Southern Arizona.

Forecasted grant—dates and details may shift; check the program page for updates.

--- ## Description This grant program funds efforts to strengthen local journalism and address critical gaps in news and information across Southern Arizona. The initiative aims to ensure that communities in Tucson, Pima County, and the broader Southern Arizona region have access to robust, original reporting and community news. Funding supports nonprofit and for-profit news organizations, as well as independent local news providers, to foster accountability, keep the public informed about local issues, and hold institutions to account. The program is part of a larger movement to revitalize local news and support informed, engaged communities. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027: Full application deadline (anticipated/projected) - March 2027: Full application deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant requests: $15,000–$75,000 - Grant duration: One year - Over $225,000 awarded since 2024 Nonprofit applicants may request operating or project-based support; for-profit applicants are eligible for project-based support only. Awards must align with CFSA’s grantmaking principles. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** - Local news organizations (nonprofit or for-profit) - Local news and information providers committed to serving Southern Arizona - Organizations must be located in or lead projects that benefit Southern Arizona (Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma counties—south of the Gila River) - Previous grantees must be current on all reporting to CFSA - **Eligible Activities:** - Operating support (nonprofits) - Project-based support (nonprofits and for-profits) - All news formats and distribution channels considered (broadcast, print, digital, SMS, social media) - **Preferences:** - Projects demonstrating commitment to Southern Arizona communities - Engagement with underrepresented communities - High ethical and quality standards; clear distribution plan - Accurate, evidence-based, and verified information - **Not Eligible:** - Individuals and freelancers - Organizations with no newsroom affiliation in Southern Arizona - Applicants not planning to publish/distribute work in Southern Arizona - Projects primarily for national audiences - Newsrooms owned by large corporations or investment firms with greater institutional support --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via the [CFSA grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfsaz). - All applicants must create a new account on the portal. - Information sessions are typically held at the opening of the application cycle. - A community advisory panel, including local and national journalism experts, reviews proposals and makes recommendations. --- ## Additional Information - Grants support a wide range of news organizations, including nonprofit, for-profit, and independent community news providers. - Past recipients include Arizona Luminaria, Civic News Company (Votebeat Arizona), KAWC-FM, Patagonia Regional Times, Somos Tucson, Tucson Sentinel, and Tucson Spotlight. - The initiative is part of the broader Press Forward movement to rebuild trusted local news and information. - Awards must adhere to [CFSA’s Grantmaking Principles and Diversity Policy](https://cfsaz.org/what/grants/). --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Guidelines](https://cfsaz.org/grants/local-news-initiative-grants/) - [About the Local News Initiative](https://cfsaz.org/localnewsinitiative/) - [Grant Portal (Apply)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfsaz) - [CFSA Grantmaking Principles](https://cfsaz.org/what/grants/) - [Press Forward National Movement](https://www.pressforward.news/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |-----------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Community Impact Team | community@cfsaz.org | | Phone | (520) 770-0800 | | Contact Form | [Contact CFSA](https://cfsaz.org/contact-us/) |

Local News Initiative of Southern Arizona Grants

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