The Lenfest Institute for Journalism is dedicated to supporting local journalism. It focuses on creating diversified revenue models, developing digital products, and promoting equity and representation in journalism, with the aim to sustain local news organizations vital to a healthy, just, and vibrant democracy.
The Philadelphia Local News Sustainability Initiative aims to bolster sustainable local journalism in Philadelphia to build a more transparent, connected, and equitable community. Emphasizing the importance of local news in democracy, this initiative targets news organizations' sustainability through strategies in audience development, diversified revenue, new technologies, and fundraising. Supported by notable foundations and donors, it has funded projects to amplify diverse voices and promote civic engagement, especially around elections. The initiative will award two-year grants to selected media partners to support their sustainability efforts, including digital transformation, new revenue activities, customer/community engagement, and essential staffing, alongside core operating support for nonprofit media to cover day-to-day expenses tied to business and sustainability goals.