[MacArthur Foundation](https://www.macfound.org)

September 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Typical awards range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars; past investments total $140M+ across 120+ grants.

Supports revitalization and strengthening of local news ecosystems in the U.S. to foster civic engagement and close information gaps.

Currently not accepting unsolicited proposals; contact the program team to share ideas.

--- ## Description The Local News grant program, led by the MacArthur Foundation as part of the Press Forward initiative, aims to revitalize local journalism and strengthen news ecosystems across the United States. The program supports trusted local newsrooms, accelerates innovative solutions, addresses information access inequalities, and advances policies to improve public access to reliable news and information. Funding is directed toward projects and organizations that address the economic, structural, technological, and cultural challenges facing local journalism, with a focus on communities most affected by news deserts and information inequities. The initiative seeks to foster sustainable, innovative, and community-centered local news systems that enhance civic engagement and government accountability. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Awards typically range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars. - Since 2023, over $140 million has been invested in more than 120 grants to 84 organizations. - Grant duration and specific amounts vary by project scope and organizational need. --- ## Eligibility - Primarily open to organizations, including: - Local newsrooms - Journalism support organizations (JSOs) - Funding intermediaries - Trusted messengers serving historically underserved communities - Priority given to projects serving areas with: - High numbers of news deserts - Low civic health scores - Large populations from historically underserved backgrounds - Geographies such as the American South, Borderland communities, Appalachia, and rural U.S. - Special commitment to supporting efforts in the Chicago area. - The program is not currently accepting unsolicited proposals; however, new ideas and perspectives can be shared by contacting the program team. --- ## Application Process - The program is not open for unsolicited proposals at this time. - Interested organizations may contact the program team to discuss potential ideas or perspectives via [email](mailto:localnews@macfound.org). - When open, application materials and submission guidelines are typically available through the [MacArthur Foundation Grants Portal](https://macfound.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new). - For more information on grantseeking, review the [MacArthur Foundation grant guidelines](https://www.macfound.org/grants/info-for-grantseekers). --- ## Additional Information - The program invests in four primary areas: equity, engagement, infrastructure, and visibility. - Focus is on sustainable funding models, innovative content delivery, capacity building, and policy advocacy. - The initiative seeks replicable local news ecosystem models that can foster sustainability, trust, and civic engagement. - For the latest updates, visit the [Local News program overview page](https://www.macfound.org/programs/bigbets/local-news/). --- ## External Links - [MacArthur Foundation Local News Program Overview](https://www.macfound.org/programs/bigbets/local-news/) - [Grant Guidelines](https://www.macfound.org/programs/bigbets/local-news/grant-guidelines) - [MacArthur Foundation Grantseeker Information](https://www.macfound.org/grants/info-for-grantseekers) - [Submit an Idea or Access the Grants Portal](https://macfound.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new) --- ## Contact Information | Method | Details | |------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | Program Email | [localnews@macfound.org](mailto:localnews@macfound.org) | | General Contact | [Contact Form](https://www.macfound.org/about/contact-us) | | Phone | +1 312-726-8000 | | Address | 140 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60603, USA |

Local News

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