Poynter Institute Launched Course for News Funders

The free online course provides guidance to those looking to support local journalism while protecting independence.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Scholarships

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a brass pen nib resting on a minimalist building, representing ethical media funding. — The Poynter Institute has introduced a digital training program, Ethically Funding Local News, to help philanthropic groups support journalism while preserving editorial independence. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe philanthropic funding is an appropriate way to support local newsrooms in your community?

The Poynter Institute has released a new digital training program titled Ethically Funding Local News: A Practical Course. This initiative aims to assist philanthropic organizations in navigating the ethical challenges of supporting local newsrooms.

Why it matters

The program helps ensure that funders can effectively provide financial support to local journalism while maintaining the necessary editorial independence of news organizations. By increasing the number of equipped funders, the initiative seeks to stabilize the sector.

The free online course requires between 90 minutes and two hours to complete. It was developed by Megan Griffith-Greene with assistance from Press Forward.

The players

Poynter Institute

Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, this nonprofit organization is a global leader in journalism education and ethical standards.

John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

This private foundation focuses on fostering informed and engaged communities through significant investments in journalism and the arts.

Press Forward

Established in 2023, this coalition works to strengthen local news through a nationwide network of philanthropic support.

Megan Griffith-Greene

She is the developer who created the curriculum for the new ethical funding course.

The details

The course features a specialized workbook designed to help participants identify actionable strategies for ethical support. It integrates insights gathered from a diverse group of journalists, ethics experts, and established philanthropic funders.

The Press Forward initiative was created in 2023.
The Knight Foundation invested over $300 million over the last three years.
The Poynter Institute launched the online course on September 21, 2026.

Culture Shift

The course launch follows the strategy established by the Press Forward initiative to coordinate philanthropic investment in local news. It marks a broader shift toward formalizing the relationship between private capital and the maintenance of essential civic institutions.

Philanthropic groups and community stakeholders can use the provided workbook to refine their approach to local news investment. The course allows potential donors to better understand how to structure their support to avoid compromising the integrity of newsroom operations.

The takeaway

Ethical alignment is becoming as important as financial capacity for organizations looking to sustain local media ecosystems. Funders can utilize this training to better navigate the complexities of modern newsroom support while minimizing potential conflicts of interest.