Local News Program
The MacArthur Foundation's Local News Program funds research and innovation to strengthen equitable, sustainable local news ecosystems and promote civic engagement in underserved U.S. communities.
Funder: MacArthur Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (By invitation only; unsolicited proposals not accepted)
Funding Amounts: Amounts vary; multi-year support possible. Recent grants range from $350,000–$3,500,000.
Summary: Supports innovations and interventions to strengthen local news ecosystems, civic engagement, and accountability in underserved U.S. communities.
Key Information: Unsolicited proposals are not accepted; researchers may submit ideas for consideration via an engagement form.
Description
The MacArthur Foundation's Local News Program aims to catalyze proven innovations and interventions that position local news as a driver of community cohesion, civic participation, and government accountability. The program leverages a mix of grantmaking, impact investments, research sharing, convenings, and policy engagement to reinforce the vitality of local news ecosystems across the United States—especially in regions with high numbers of news deserts and among historically underserved populations (such as the American South, Borderlands, Appalachia, rural areas, and Chicago).
Core investment priorities include:
- Equity: Ensuring local news reflects the lived experiences of diverse and underserved communities.
- Engagement: Fostering strong ties between local media organizations and their audiences.
- Infrastructure: Building resilient news infrastructure and capacity in emerging local ecosystems.
- Visibility: Elevating the public value of local journalism and supporting policy for its sustainability.
By 2028, the initiative aspires to establish at least three sustainable, innovative local news ecosystems that can serve as models nationwide.
