October 2026: Grants for Journalism and Independent Media

October brings a mix of deadlines and rolling opportunities for newsrooms and journalism organizations. Some of these funders are looking for specific geographic footprints or community partnerships. Others are focused on the kind of reporting that holds power accountable. The month ahead is a good time to audit which funder relationships you want to deepen, and which grants align with work you're already doing.

Vermont Community Foundation: Grant for News Outlets and Community Partner Collaborations

This grant supports collaboration between local Vermont news outlets and nonprofit or governmental partners. The foundation is interested in projects that expand the reach of local news, engage new audiences, and create community-informed content. You might be launching a new model or strengthening an existing partnership with a school, library, or community organization. The deadline is October 9, and awards go up to $10,000. Apply here

Southern California Grantmakers and Press Forward: Grant for Nonprofit Public Policy Organizations

Southern California Grantmakers and Press Forward are partnering to support public policy work in the journalism and civic engagement space. This is a rolling deadline, so you can apply whenever your project is ready. If you're a nonprofit doing policy work in Southern California, this is worth a conversation with the funder before you submit. Apply here

Colorado Media Project: Grant for Local News Nonprofits Serving Underrepresented Communities

The Colorado Media Project provides flexible general operating support to newsrooms serving BIPOC, linguistically diverse, and rural communities across Colorado. This grant is designed for newsrooms with strong existing community relationships. The funding helps you build on those relationships and strengthen coverage of issues vital to the communities you serve. Rolling deadline. Apply here

John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation: Grant for Journalism and Media Nonprofits

MacArthur supports national and international nonprofit organizations engaged in professional nonprofit reporting, press freedom, and nonfiction multimedia storytelling. The foundation is interested in building strong, independent, and sustainable media organizations that promote just and inclusive news and narratives. They also fund field-building, leadership, and innovation in journalism ecosystems. Rolling deadline. Apply here

Alaska Press Club: Grant for Alaska Journalism Newsrooms and Organizations

The Alaska Press Club funds professional development opportunities for newsrooms and journalism organizations across Alaska. This includes training workshops, guest presenters, bootcamps, mentorships, and the development of training tools and resources for reporters. The grant prioritizes projects that involve collaboration among newsrooms, with a focus on basic news skills, digital journalism, journalism ethics, and diversity coverage. Awards go up to $5,000. Rolling deadline. Apply here

Pulitzer Center: Grant for Local News Journalists and Newsrooms

The Pulitzer Center supports freelance and staff journalists working with local U.S. news outlets to produce in-depth enterprise and investigative reporting on underreported stories. The program funds data, investigative, and accountability journalism that tackles systemic issues and holds powerful local figures accountable. Grantees also receive support for educational materials and community outreach events to expand the reach of their stories. Rolling deadline. Apply here

Western Iowa Journalism Foundation: Grant for Local Journalism Nonprofits in Western Iowa

The Western Iowa Journalism Foundation supports journalism organizations and newsrooms in western Iowa through grant funding. The program focuses on local news and journalism initiatives serving rural and underserved communities in the region. Rolling deadline. Apply here

If you're working to strengthen a relationship with a funder you didn't see here, or if you want Funding Findr to keep an eye on a specific funder relationship over the next few months, reply and let us know. We're here to help you build the funding relationships that sustain your work.

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