AJP x NYT Communities Fund
Help build durable, independent local news organizations that can serve communities for years to come.
The American Journalism Project is proud to be a first-time beneficiary of The New York Times Communities Fund, which has raised nearly $365 million to strengthen communities over its 115-year history.
Our work
Why local news
Our work
Independent local news helps people understand what’s happening in their communities, make informed decisions and stay connected to the places they call home.
The American Journalism Project is building a new generation of sustainable nonprofit local news organizations so more communities across the country have access to trusted news and information.
Since 2019, we have supported more than 50 nonprofit local news organizations serving more than 100 communities across 38 states and Puerto Rico.
Our model pairs philanthropic investment with hands-on strategic support to help these organizations grow and thrive. We work alongside local news leaders to:
- Build stronger organizations with support on strategy, leadership and financial sustainability.
- Grow audiences and revenue through expertise in fundraising, membership and audience development.
- Innovate for the future by helping news organizations use new products and technologies, including AI, to better serve their communities.
- Learn from one another through training, peer cohorts and shared insights from across the field.
Your gift through The New York Times Communities Fund will strengthen this work, helping independent local news organizations build for the long term and serve their communities for years to come.
Why local news?
The quality and quantity of essential local news is collapsing as legacy newspapers fold and low-quality news and information floods local communities. The American Journalism Project is forging a future where local news not only thrives, but is built to last.
newspapers have closed since 2005
counties have only one remaining local news outlet
of newspaper jobs that existed in 2005 have been lost
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We’re reimagining local news as a public good – because strong communities depend on it.
Local news connects people to one another and to the issues that shape their lives. We’re supporting a new generation of local newsrooms built to strengthen and sustain communities.
Our impact
in diversified revenue generated by our grantee portfolio in 2025, through a mix of subscriptions, philanthropy, earned revenue, major gifts and more.
growth in nonprofit local news sector since 2019, fueled in part by members of the AJP portfolio. Local news is now the most common type of nonprofit newsroom in North America.
revenue growth for organizations in our portfolio from 2024 to 2025.
Our portfolio’s journalism is producing real results
Stronger local news organizations create meaningful impact for communities. Portfolio organizations are doing some of the most consequential local reporting in the country.
The Connecticut Mirror
The CT Mirror’s Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation into predatory towing practices helped drive legislative reforms and the creation of a state DMV task force.
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Boyle Heights Beat
After Boyle Heights Beat reported on the lack of in-person polling options for the Boyle Heights neighborhood, county officials stepped in and announced that four pop-up polling centers would be made available for the Nov. 4, 2025 elections.
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Open Campus
Open Campus and CalMatters exposed millions in financial-aid fraud across California community colleges, prompting state and federal officials to review safeguards and propose reforms.
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Flatwater Free Press
Flatwater Free Press’ investigation into misconduct by a Nebraska police chief led to his termination within 24 hours of publication.
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Support our work
Thousands of communities across the country lack access to the local news they need to thrive. Your gift helps to change that. Together, we can ensure trusted, independent local news thrives as a public good — strengthening communities for generations to come.
