The AP Fund for Journalism was created in 2024 with a dual mission: to support public service journalism while strengthening the local news ecosystem across America. For years before that, the Associated Press had secured foundation grants for specific editorial projects—climate, health, religion—building relationships with major funders like Knight, Gates, and Walton. These early projects proved quality journalism could attract philanthropic support without compromising editorial independence.
But the need became more urgent. Local news is fracturing. News deserts are growing. Many communities now lack access to the trustworthy information needed for daily life—from school closings to clean water alerts.
“The AP was increasingly cognizant of some fracturing in the U.S. local news market,” said Rachel White, CEO of the AP Fund for Journalism, during our recent AP Forward webinar. “That gave rise to this idea of creating the AP Fund for Journalism, which would serve two purposes: to ensure the future of the AP’s 50-state footprint and to provide content and services to an ever-widening group of local news organizations.”
With early support from Google News Initiative, Knight Foundation and MacArthur Foundation, the Fund launched in 2024 with 50 newsroom partners and plans to grow.
What newsroom leaders can do:
- Identify gaps in your editorial coverage that serve the public but lack resources.
- Consider how mission-aligned funders could help support this work.
- Treat philanthropy as a strategic extension of your newsroom’s mission, not as a last resort.
Philanthropy, when integrated well, isn’t a rescue plan. It’s a way to expand journalism’s reach and resilience.
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