ABOUT
We are part of a nationwide movement to strengthen communities by reinvigorating local news.
In 2023, national foundations kicked off a new initiative to invest together in local news and information for American communities. This movement has grown to include more than 36 local chapters around the country, each focused on the local news-and-information needs of its area.
Dale Anglin, national director of Press Forward, at the 2024 Mississippi Local News Summit.
Press Forward is a nationwide coalition investing more than $500 million to strengthen local newsrooms, close longstanding gaps in journalism coverage, advance public policy that expands access to local news, and to scale the infrastructure the sector needs to thrive.
In addition to grantmaking from the national level, the Press Forward movement is establishing local chapters by partnering with local foundations in cities, states and regions around the country.
Learn more about the nationwide movement and Press Forward Locals.
About Press Forward Mississippi
Our Mississippi chapter is led by the CREATE Foundation as a statewide coalition, with the goal of seeing Mississippi communities enriched by fact-based journalism that bridges perspectives and empowers civic engagement. We advance this vision by supporting sustainable, ethical journalism that authentically represents and serves Mississippians.
Press Forward is a funder-led initiative. In addition to CREATE as the lead funder, founding members of our Mississippi chapter are the Community Foundation for Mississippi, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and The Phil Hardin Foundation.
We are inviting other donors who see the connection between local news and healthy communities to get involved in Mississippi.
To join this effort as a funding partner, contact us at pressforward@createfoundation.com.
Aligned Funders for Press Forward Mississippi
Our Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the goal of this effort to provide financial support for local news outlets?
No. The goal is an informed and engaged public in our state. Investment in local media is a means to that end.
Is this just for print newspapers?
No. Any type of media outlet can be involved. Rather than preferring any specific platform, this effort is oriented around where and how local audiences want to access news and information.
How will this effort stay away from promoting certain agendas?
People today define “news” in many different ways. For this effort, we will rely on the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics as the definition of the kind of journalism we seek to support in our state.
How will a pooled fund not compete with individual outlets for revenue?
This efforts aims to add resources, not redirect them. Individuals and institutions that value the role of journalism in communities can already support media outlets through their subscriptions, donations and advertising dollars. Press Forward Mississippi can support collaborative projects and initiatives that individual outlets can participate in but would not be able to produce on their own.
How does Press Forward’s national movement influence the Mississippi chapter?
Press Forward’s national effort provides a foundational vision and values, as well as access to research and learnings from peer chapters around the country who are developing local strategies and initiatives tailored to their communities.
Who will make decisions about funding grants?
There are two ways that grants can be awarded through Press Forward Mississippi:
The CREATE Foundation is responsible for the pooled fund. Through the Steering Committee, members advise CREATE on distributions that advance the mission and provide broad or strategic benefits for the people of Mississippi.
As aligned funders, member organizations take the lead on fundraising and grantmaking for initiatives focused in their local service areas. This keeps local decision-making in the hands of those who know their communities best, while also allowing funders to develop overall strategy together.
Support statewide initiatives in Mississippi
To invest in the Press Forward Mississippi pooled fund, contact the CREATE Foundation or donate online today.
(662) 844-8989
pressforward@createfoundation.com