American Journalism Project announces $400K investment from Ford Foundation to advance local news innovation
WASHINGTON — Aug. 19, 2025 — The American Journalism Project today announced a new $400,000 grant from the Ford Foundation to expand local news innovation and strengthen the long-term sustainability of independent journalism nationwide.
This renewed investment builds on the Ford Foundation’s earlier support of the American Journalism Project and reflects a shared belief in the essential role local news plays in strengthening communities and democracy. The grant is part of Ford’s Creativity and Free Expression initiative, which supports journalism that advances media equity — the idea that everyone should have access to high-quality news and opportunities to participate in creating it.
Since its launch in 2019, the American Journalism Project has raised more than $225 million for its work to support and rebuild local news across the country, including over $68 million in local philanthropy to support new local news initiatives, and has supported a portfolio of 50 nonprofit news organizations in 36 states. The organizations in its portfolio are producing essential journalism that meets community needs, while building sustainable revenue models and growing their newsrooms.
“We’re deeply grateful for the Ford Foundation’s continued partnership,” said Sarabeth Berman, CEO of the American Journalism Project. “Ford has long been a pioneer in supporting independent journalism, and a leader in championing equity and inclusion in the media field. This grant is a powerful endorsement of the role nonprofit news plays in healthy communities, and it will help us reach more communities with the support and infrastructure they need to thrive.”
With this support, the American Journalism Project will continue to grow its impact — expanding its portfolio, backing leadership that reflects the communities local news organizations serve, and deepening the infrastructure needed to build a stronger, more resilient local news ecosystem.
“The Ford Foundation supports journalism that’s created by and for communities — newsrooms that center lived experience, local knowledge, and civic connection,” said Lolly Bowean, program officer for journalism in Ford’s Creativity and Free Expression team. “AJP is helping make that vision real by investing in infrastructure that makes long-term sustainability possible. The Ford Foundation is proud to support AJP and its bold vision for the future of local news.”
This grant reinforces the growing momentum behind nonprofit local news and the critical role of philanthropic investment in ensuring communities have the trustworthy, responsive journalism they deserve.
About the American Journalism Project
The American Journalism Project is a venture philanthropy dedicated to local news. We believe in civic journalism as a public good and are reimagining its future by building a model to finance and sustain the local news our democracy requires. We make grants to local nonprofit news organizations to build their revenue and business operations, partner with communities to launch new organizations, and mentor leaders as they grow and sustain their newsrooms. To learn more about the American Journalism Project, visit theajp.org.
About the Ford Foundation
The Ford Foundation is an independent organization working to address inequality and build a future grounded in justice. For nearly 90 years, it has supported visionaries on the frontlines of social change worldwide, guided by its mission to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement. Today, with an endowment of $16 billion, the foundation has headquarters in New York and 10 regional offices across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Learn more at www.fordfoundation.org.