Skyline Foundation invests $4.5 million in the American Journalism Project to expand local news innovation
WASHINGTON — March 20, 2025 — The American Journalism Project today announced a new $4.5 million investment from Skyline Foundation to further expand local news innovation and strengthen the long-term sustainability of independent journalism across the country.
“Since our first investment in the American Journalism Project, we’ve seen firsthand the impact of their work — supporting visionary leaders, strengthening independent news organizations, and helping local journalism take root in communities across the country,” said Angela Filo, co-founder of Skyline Foundation. “We are proud to deepen our commitment as the American Journalism Project scales its impact and continues building the foundation for a sustainable future for local news.”
Skyline Foundation’s investment represents a 150% increase from its first commitment. The Foundation’s decision to significantly increase its investment reflects the growing confidence in the American Journalism Project’s approach based on its early success in helping build a sustainable future for local news.
Since its launch, the American Journalism Project has raised more than $200 million, including over $68 million in local philanthropy to support new local news initiatives and has built a portfolio of 50 nonprofit news organizations operating in 36 states. Skyline Foundation’s renewed investment will help expand this impact, putting more resources directly into local news organizations and strengthening sustainability programs that help independent news outlets grow and thrive.
The American Journalism Project’s approach pairs direct funding with robust venture support to help local news organizations grow and build sustainable operations. With this investment, AJP will scale successful nonprofit news organizations, strengthen newsrooms in critical disciplines such as product-market fit and technology, and expand the local news movement through place-based initiatives and national outreach.
“This investment in the American Journalism Project translates directly into greater support for local news organizations, equipping them with the resources and strategies needed for long-term success,” said Sarabeth Berman, CEO of the American Journalism Project. “Skyline Foundation’s increased commitment underscores the growing momentum behind the nonprofit news model and the critical role philanthropy can play in strengthening independent local journalism.”
“The American Journalism Project is building a portfolio of news organizations that are not just filling gaps in local journalism but rethinking how news serves communities,” said Jenny Montoya Tansey, program lead for Just Democracy at Skyline Foundation. “These organizations are breaking away from traditional models, meeting people where they are, and pioneering new approaches to delivering local news. We are excited to support this growing movement and the critical role it plays in keeping communities informed.”
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.
Media contact: Roshni Neslage, Head of Communications, American Journalism Project, media@theajp.org, 954-526-1565