Melissa Davis, Vice President of Informed Communities, Gates Family Foundation; Executive Director, The Colorado Media Project
Taryn Fort, Senior Director of Communications and Influence, The Colorado Health Foundation
Johanna Ulloa Girón, Advocacy Program Manager, The Colorado Trust
David Rousseau, Executive Director of Journalism and Information Technology, KFF; Publisher, KFF Health News

In an era marked by profound societal divisions, the role of local media in fostering democratic health stands as a cornerstone of informed civic engagement (Harding 2015). From critical issues like health care and housing to economic opportunity and climate impacts, local journalism is the bedrock upon which communities build their understanding and response. Yet, the field faces challenges beyond the well-documented financial crisis facing local newsrooms, encompassing deep-rooted inequities in newsroom composition and the narratives they convey.

Acknowledging these challenges, philanthropy emerges not as a panacea but as a critical force driving strategic shifts supporting equitable journalism. This evolution is exemplified in Colorado, where a vibrant ecosystem of funders collaborates closely with newsrooms to enhance equity in journalism and amplify the voices of marginalized communities. The Colorado Media Project (CMP), a pioneering funder collaborative, exemplifies this approach by pooling resources to support newsrooms and champion collaborative strategies aimed at systemic change. Underscoring the impact of collective action, Melissa Davis, Vice President of Informed Communities at Gates Family Foundation and Executive Director of CMP, states “By aligning our goals and resources through CMP, we translate financial support into tangible outcomes, fostering a more equitable media landscape.”

The Influence of Foundations in Driving Change

Foundations have an opportunity to play a pivotal role in catalyzing transformative change within media ecosystems. Taryn Fort, Senior Director of Communications and Influence at The Colorado Health Foundation, emphasizes the strategic integration of media funding within broader organizational goals. “Embedding media funding allows us to help diversify localized news and how it shapes public discourse around issues related to health equity. Our funding can both help shift how journalism is practiced and promote inclusive storytelling reflective of everyone, no matter their status,” Fort said. Davis adds that this kind of strategic approach is not about trying to influence content or editorial decisions, which would compromise journalism independence. “It is more about a strategic alignment that is crucial to addressing systemic inequities that are present in today’s media narratives,” Davis continued.

Building Alliances for Change

Securing buy-in from foundation leadership necessitates a multifaceted approach that emphasizes the intrinsic value of journalism in advancing organizational missions. Highlighting the pivotal role of media in shaping community perspectives, Johanna Ulloa Girón from The Colorado Trust shared, “Media influence is vast, yet many community voices remain unheard. Real change requires a concerted effort to diversify sourcing and amplify underrepresented perspectives. There is tremendous value in diverse information sources that support civic engagement through informed decisions and perspectives that ultimately help shape the health and well-being of a community.” 

Fort underscores the importance of forging alliances with internal and external philanthropic stakeholders to build robust media ecosystems that contribute to community well-being. “There are a lot of opportunities to re-establish, for example, the relationship between nonprofits and newsrooms in a way that truly lifts up the knowledge and expertise that nonprofits hold,” she said.

Investing in Capacity and Expertise

Effective journalism initiatives hinge on dedicated resources and skilled personnel. David Rousseau, Executive Director of Journalism and Information Technology at KFF and Publisher of KFF Health News, emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary teams with diverse perspectives and experienced health journalists. KFF Health News supports journalists who work locally in Colorado on health policy reporting, and they collaborate with media of all types throughout the state resulting in ambitious reporting projects that impact policy and advance health equity. Additionally, national models like Press Forward offer funder options beyond individual grantmaking strategies, toward a coordinated approach to strengthen local newsrooms. Investments in training and mentorship programs can further nurture a pipeline of talent, ensuring sustained impact amid evolving media dynamics. 

Navigating Challenges with Adaptability

The journey toward equitable journalism is fraught with challenges and opportunities. Davis advocates for nimbleness and adaptability in responding to evolving media landscapes, ensuring that initiatives remain relevant and responsive to emergent needs. Community engagement and co-creation are central to enhancing relevance and resilience, fostering trust, and amplifying underrepresented voices. For example, The Voices Initiative, led by Colorado News Collaborative, captured BIPOC community leaders’ and journalists’ recommendations, and set priorities for CMP’s Advancing Equity pooled fund.

Philanthropy as a Catalyst for Transformation

As the nation approaches an election year, the imperative of equitable journalism looms large. Philanthropic efforts serve as potent catalysts for transformation, fostering a media ecosystem that authentically represents diverse communities. By embracing collaborative approaches, investing in capacity-building, and centering community voices, foundations can spearhead a renaissance in local journalism. This proactive stance not only strengthens democratic institutions but also lays the groundwork for a more equitable and inclusive society.

Disclosures: The Colorado Health Foundation and The Colorado Trust are current funders of the Colorado Media Project. The Colorado Health Foundation is a current funder of KFF Health News.

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