How Foundation Money Is Transforming Local News

The Cleveland Foundation, traditionally focused on grants for various community needs, shifted to support Cleveland Documenters in 2020, paying citizens to attend and document local government meetings. This reflects a broader trend of philanthropies, including major foundations like Ford and MacArthur, increasing funding for local journalism. The emphasis is on disseminating essential information rather than traditional investigative reporting. Initiatives like the Indiana Local News Initiative (ILNI) exemplify this shift, prioritizing community input and collaboration. The approach acknowledges the importance of addressing fundamental information gaps for civic engagement. Despite concerns about the limitations of citizen reporting, some initiatives, like Signal Cleveland, successfully combine community involvement with traditional coverage. Overall, this evolving landscape represents a new approach to meet information needs and enhance civic engagement beyond traditional newspapers.