Financials

The American Journalism Project is committed to transparency and sharing financial reporting on an ongoing basis. Below is an introduction to our funding structure and overview of our revenue sources.

Funding Structure

Our first multi-year campaign – Fund I, launched in 2019 – raised $53 million. We made grant commitments to 32 organizations and will disburse funds as well as  provide venture support and coaching to Fund I grantees through 2024.

We launched our second fund (Fund II) in 2022 with a goal of $60 million. The first set of Fund II grantee organizations was announced in 2022; we will continue to award new grants through 2024 and disburse funds to as well as  provide support to Fund II grantees through 2027.

In addition, through place-based philanthropy partnerships and startup incubations, we have helped raise over $20 million in direct support for the launch and establishment of new organizations that will serve their communities for years to come.

Funding model

Support for the American Journalism Project comes from philanthropic sources: individuals, foundations, and corporate partners. Individual fund campaign totals reflect revenue from general funding and local philanthropy partnership restricted funding.

General (unrestricted) funds are allocated across a variety of strategic priorities. About two-thirds of general philanthropic funding is used for grantmaking to nonprofit local news organizations across the country. Of the remainder, more than half provides for our unique venture support model, aiding grantees’ efforts to build sustainable organizations. About 10% of general philanthropic funding supports our efforts to galvanize a broad movement, including strategic communications and fundraising. And finally, about 5% of general funding is committed to building strong internal systems, including financial management and people operations.

Local philanthropy partnerships and startup incubations, separately, are largely supported by project-restricted philanthropic funds and market-specific research contracts.

Documents & Reports

You can find our annual financial statements below.

In accordance with our fund structure, we both raise and commit funds on a multi-year basis, and secure support ahead of making awards to grantees. Therefore, the timing of grant receipts and disbursements does not align perfectly. Financial statements for any given year may show a surplus or a deficit, but income and expenses level over the course of a fund campaign.