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- calendar_today November 10, 2026
Press Forward Surpasses Investment Goals in Support of Local Journalism
Press Forward, the nonprofit organization dedicated to bolstering local journalism, announced on Tuesday that it has completed nearly $600 million in investments to journalism organizations, accomplishing this milestone roughly two years ahead of its original schedule. Founded in 2023, Press Forward aims to address the industry’s economic and technological challenges as local news outlets face increasing pressure to survive.
Continuing Efforts Amid Industry Transformation
Despite the accelerated pace of its investment, Executive Director Dale Anglin emphasized that Press Forward’s mission continues. The organization plans to keep raising and investing money while expanding its initiatives to support journalism in new ways. “The industry is going through an incredible transformation,” Anglin said, noting that transformative change in journalism has been two decades in the making and will require continued long-term support.
Deepening News Deserts Highlight the Need for Philanthropic Support
The urgency of Press Forward’s mission is underscored by findings from Northwestern University’s "The State of Local News 2026," which reported a 12% increase in news deserts this year, totaling 238 counties without locally based professional news sources. Advertising and audience declines persisted, leading to more than two newspapers closing for each new outlet that launched. These trends reinforce Press Forward’s approach to securing lasting support for community journalism.
Funding Models: Impact Investing and Pooled Funds
Press Forward established a $21 million impact investing fund designed to supply small loans to outlets unlikely to receive traditional funding. The organization has also fostered 50 local chapters, collectively investing $87 million directly into community journalism, with $53 million of that in the past year alone.
Pooled funds, such as those developed by Press Forward Chicago, have shown promise in supporting journalism funding. Executive Director Tracy Baim explained that pooling donations from several organizations reduces donor risk and enables funders to support specific initiatives collaboratively. Press Forward Chicago’s first pooled fund raised nearly $1 million from 12 donors, distributing the funds among 12 outlets and enhancing immigration reporting capacity just before a significant federal immigration operation in Chicago. A subsequent pooled fund enabled more robust coverage of local education issues.
Expanding Sustainable Journalism Solutions
Maribel Perez Wadsworth, President and CEO of the Knight Foundation, spotlighted the importance of local funding in sustaining news organizations. She noted that while national investments demonstrate the importance of journalism, cultivating awareness and support at the local level is crucial for long-term viability. Recent developments, such as the Ford Foundation prioritizing journalism and Public Media Co.’s efforts to maintain public radio stations, point to growing recognition of journalism as a public good.
Addressing Economic Realities for Local News
Press Forward acknowledges there is no "silver bullet" for journalism’s financial struggles. The nonprofit sees philanthropy as a bridge to help outlets transition toward sustainable business models. Its ongoing initiatives include advocating for policy changes, encouraging collaboration and resource sharing among outlets, and providing infrastructure grants. Local chapters address region-specific needs, from subsidizing immigration coverage costs in Minnesota to training new reporters in Kentucky.
As Anglin stated, “You can’t nonprofit your way out of this problem. We understand that some things will still close. But we are building for the long term.”
Source: clickorlando.com.
