Grantmaking
We provide funding and strategic support to help nonprofit local news organizations build strong operations with diversified and sustainable revenue streams.
We take a rigorous approach to grantmaking so every investment drives meaningful, lasting impact.
What we fund
We invest in independent, mission-driven nonprofit news organizations with strategic growth visions that are proven or poised to deliver impact in their communities.
Our typical investment is around $1M–1.5M over three years, focused on building the business and operational capacity required for transformative growth. Together with each prospective grantee that goes through our competitive grantmaking process, we align on a growth plan that positions them to add at least $1M in sustainable annual revenue after our funding concludes.
Mission-driven nonprofit news organization
Local news for local audiences
A core product available to all
Independent journalism of the highest standard
Commitment to trust-building and community representation
Commitment to financial resiliency & transparency
Have a vision to grow
Our funding process
We operate differently from traditional philanthropy. In addition to capital investment, our model provides hands-on strategic support tailored to each organization’s biggest opportunities.
Identify investment opportunities
Our team conducts research to identify newsrooms making significant impact in their communities and ready to benefit from our partnership. While our competitive grantmaking process is by invitation only, we welcome outreach from organizations aligned with our priorities and strategy. See below for ways to get in touch.
Assess fit through our rubric
We evaluate potential grantees against core criteria, listed above, and organizational strength across key areas outlined in our grantmaking rubric. We don’t expect organizations to excel in every area, but we do look for a compelling track record and demonstrated commitment to growth. We then periodically request letters of inquiry from organizations on an invitation-only basis.
Develop a partnership
Our team reviews letters of inquiry and invites select organizations to our intensive proposal phase, which includes a written proposal, financial modeling, financial and operational due diligence, and leadership and growth vision workshops. We work together to articulate a 3-5 year growth plan and structure an investment to reach those goals. Final proposals are advanced for approval by our board of directors.
How we serve our portfolio
The news organizations in our portfolio receive strategic support alongside funding. Organizations benefit from our expertise, programming,resources, and a robust network of peer organizations — throughout their investment period and beyond.
Success partners
Each portfolio organization is assigned a Success Partner from our team who serves as a strategic thought partner and coach, helping navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
Capacity-building resources
We provide resources that enable our grantees to participate in external or AJP organized conferences or other training, which strengthen core business and operational infrastructure, from audience development to financial management.
Specialized support
Portfolio organizations access AJP’s specialized expertise providing targeted support in areas like audience growth, product development, legal resilience, and AI experimentation.
Peer learning
Portfolio organizations access a robust network of nonprofit local news organizations supported by AJP, including opportunities to learn from each other in person and virtually.
Get in touch
If you think we should know about the work of your existing nonprofit local news organization, please reach out via our general inquiry form below. Our team can’t respond to every inquiry we receive, but we promise we are reading them!