Arizona Media Association + Arizona Local News Foundation

Arizona Local News Foundation Introduces New Grant to Strengthen Local Journalism

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2026   

The Arizona Local News Foundation is launching a new Startup + Innovation Grant designed to help local news organizations expand, experiment, and strengthen storytelling that serves Arizona communities.

This grant program will fund innovative projects that enhance local journalism, deepen community connections, and test new storytelling approaches. Eligible uses of funding include the launch of new editorial or community-focused projects, investments in technology or equipment, expanded audience engagement efforts, or pilot programs exploring creative models for delivering local news.

The Startup + Innovation Grant is intended to support projects that news organizations would not otherwise have the financial capacity to pursue. Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

• Technology investments for digital storytelling projects.
• Community-focused reporting and engagement initiatives such as town halls or roundtable conversations.
• Testing new formats or platforms for local storytelling.
• Equipment purchases that enhance reporting, production, or distribution.

Read more about the grant in the program description here.
The grant is available to local news organizations that have been in operation for at least six months and consistently produce local information about Arizona communities in compliance with the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics. Each eligible news organization may apply for funding to support one new project.

The Arizona Local News Foundation gratefully acknowledges the Arizona Media Association for providing the funding that made this initial round of Startup + Innovation Grants possible. This investment reflects a shared commitment to strengthening local journalism and supporting the experimentation and innovation needed for newsrooms to remain relevant, resilient, and deeply connected to their communities.

“Innovation is the lifeblood of local journalism,” said Tregg White, President and CEO of the Arizona Media Association and Arizona Local News Foundation. “This grant empowers newsrooms across Arizona to experiment, connect with their communities in new ways, and bring forward stories that matter. By investing in these projects, we’re strengthening the foundation of local news and ensuring that every community has access to meaningful, impactful reporting.”

As the needs of local newsrooms continue to evolve, the Foundation invites philanthropic partners, funders, and community leaders to join in supporting future rounds of the Startup + Innovation Grant. Continued investment in innovation is essential to ensuring that local journalism remains strong, trusted, and responsive to the communities it serves.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on March 13, 2026, with awarded news organizations notified in April. Questions related to the grant may be directed to foundation@azmedia.org. Click here to apply today: ALNF Startup and Innovation Grant

The Arizona Local News Foundation connects communities across our state with more impactful local news to drive our state forward. Backed by nearly 400 local media brands that are part of the Arizona Media Association and overseen by its independent board of directors, the Foundation funds programs that ensure information is more accessible and impactful in every Arizona community.

The Arizona Media Association is the nonprofit trade association representing Arizona’s local radio, television, print, and digital media. Its mission is to future-proof community connection by amplifying the unique role local media plays in every Arizona neighborhood.

For more information about the Foundation, contact foundation@azmedia.org
For media inquiries, contact Rudy Rivas rudy@azmedia.org