The Lenfest Institute for Journalism
@lenfestinstitute.org
Solutions for the next era of local news.
Applications are open for the Philadelphia Media Founders Exchange Creators Network, which supports partnerships between media founders and news-focused creators. If you’re interested in applying, don’t miss this virtual info session happening Monday, Dec. 1 at 4:30 p.m. EST:
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: PMFE News Creator Network Grant Info Session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
The PMFE News Creator Network Grant Information Session is an opportunity for Philadelphia-based creators and newsroom leaders to learn about the 2026 grant program, understand eligibility and expecta...
us06web.zoom.us
November 25, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Applications are open for the Philadelphia Media Founders Exchange Creators Network, which supports partnerships between media founders and news-focused creators. If you’re interested in applying, don’t miss this virtual info session happening Monday, Dec. 1 at 4:30 p.m. EST:
“Independent journalists usually don’t have teams who can evaluate potential funders. So what can you do to ensure a funder is ethically aligned?” @lizkellynelson.com of Project C & Mollie Muchna of @trustingnews.bsky.social share tips for assessing funders + funder disclosures for creators.
How creator journalists can assess — and disclose — their funding
Independent journalists don't have teams who can evaluate potential funders. So what can creators do to ensure a funder is ethically aligned?
www.lenfestinstitute.org
November 24, 2025 at 4:21 PM
“Independent journalists usually don’t have teams who can evaluate potential funders. So what can you do to ensure a funder is ethically aligned?” @lizkellynelson.com of Project C & Mollie Muchna of @trustingnews.bsky.social share tips for assessing funders + funder disclosures for creators.
At the @newsproduct.org Summit, Meena Thiruvengadam says concerns about safety shifted the conversation around audience engagement: “In a world where people can be barred from crossing borders because of a post or like online, newsrooms may have to rethink the way they measure success.”
Building safer, smarter audience engagement tools: Takeaways from the News Product Alliance Summit
How growing online privacy concerns shifted the conversation around audience engagement at the News Product Alliance Summit.
www.lenfestinstitute.org
November 21, 2025 at 9:14 PM
At the @newsproduct.org Summit, Meena Thiruvengadam says concerns about safety shifted the conversation around audience engagement: “In a world where people can be barred from crossing borders because of a post or like online, newsrooms may have to rethink the way they measure success.”
Happening tomorrow: Join the Lenfest Communities of Practice for 2 webinars ⬇️
1. Don’t let valuable audience research sit on the shelf! Ariel Zirulnick joins the Lenfest Audience Community at 2 p.m. EST / 11 a.m. PST to share how orgs can use audience data to inform product & editorial strategy:
1. Don’t let valuable audience research sit on the shelf! Ariel Zirulnick joins the Lenfest Audience Community at 2 p.m. EST / 11 a.m. PST to share how orgs can use audience data to inform product & editorial strategy:
Audience Community: Operationalizing audience insights
Ariel Zirulnick joins the Lenfest Audience Community on Nov. 20 to discuss using audience data to inform product and editorial strategy.
www.lenfestinstitute.org
November 19, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Happening tomorrow: Join the Lenfest Communities of Practice for 2 webinars ⬇️
1. Don’t let valuable audience research sit on the shelf! Ariel Zirulnick joins the Lenfest Audience Community at 2 p.m. EST / 11 a.m. PST to share how orgs can use audience data to inform product & editorial strategy:
1. Don’t let valuable audience research sit on the shelf! Ariel Zirulnick joins the Lenfest Audience Community at 2 p.m. EST / 11 a.m. PST to share how orgs can use audience data to inform product & editorial strategy:
“If journalists want to be viewed as trusted messengers, they have to get clear about what sets their product apart.” As part of the Creator Journalism Trust and Credibility Toolkit, Mollie Muchna from @trustingnews.bsky.social shares how transparency can take creator journalists to the next level:
Why creator journalists and funders need to go all in on transparency
If journalists want to be viewed as trusted messengers, they have to get clear about what sets their product apart.
www.lenfestinstitute.org
November 18, 2025 at 5:34 PM
“If journalists want to be viewed as trusted messengers, they have to get clear about what sets their product apart.” As part of the Creator Journalism Trust and Credibility Toolkit, Mollie Muchna from @trustingnews.bsky.social shares how transparency can take creator journalists to the next level:
Creator journalists are already beginning to play a key role in reaching diverse audiences. But “without intentional investment,” writes @lizkellynelson.com, “many of these voices risk fading just as they are beginning to prove their value to the wider information ecosystem.”
Why philanthropy should back creator-model journalism
Independent, audience-rooted creators are already reporting on their communities. Here's how funders can invest in them.
www.lenfestinstitute.org
November 17, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Creator journalists are already beginning to play a key role in reaching diverse audiences. But “without intentional investment,” writes @lizkellynelson.com, “many of these voices risk fading just as they are beginning to prove their value to the wider information ecosystem.”
Every Voice, Every Vote is launching a new Community Conversation event series next week: Join residents, educators, policymakers, and journalists for “Reimagining Education — Funding, Accountability, and the Future of Learning in Philadelphia” on Monday, Nov. 17, at 5 p.m. at North 10.
November 14, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Every Voice, Every Vote is launching a new Community Conversation event series next week: Join residents, educators, policymakers, and journalists for “Reimagining Education — Funding, Accountability, and the Future of Learning in Philadelphia” on Monday, Nov. 17, at 5 p.m. at North 10.
Today we’re announcing $1 million in new investments to support partnerships between content creators and publishers that unite the rigor and infrastructure of established newsrooms with the innovation and cultural relevance of creators. These investments include two grant programs 🧵 ⬇️
Lenfest Institute to invest $1 million in partnerships between content creators and local newsrooms
The Lenfest News Creator Collaborative and The Philadelphia Media Founders Exchange Creators Network will offer grants, training, and community for local newsrooms
www.lenfestinstitute.org
November 12, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Today we’re announcing $1 million in new investments to support partnerships between content creators and publishers that unite the rigor and infrastructure of established newsrooms with the innovation and cultural relevance of creators. These investments include two grant programs 🧵 ⬇️
In last week’s general election, the unprecedented happened: Voter turnout in Philadelphia reached a 20-year high as 35.4% of registered voters cast ballots in races for district attorney, city controller, and state and local judgeships — higher than that of any recent Philly mayoral election.
In Philly, Turnout for Off-Year Election Reaches 20-Year High | Every Voice, Every Vote
Students hold signs at the PA Youth Vote "Give Us a Ballot" rally in downtown Philadelphia on October 28, 2025 (CREDIT: Dawud Brown)
www.everyvoice-everyvote.org
November 11, 2025 at 6:48 PM
In last week’s general election, the unprecedented happened: Voter turnout in Philadelphia reached a 20-year high as 35.4% of registered voters cast ballots in races for district attorney, city controller, and state and local judgeships — higher than that of any recent Philly mayoral election.
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Lenfest Expert Network, a free service connecting local news orgs with consultants who provide hands-on support to strengthen sustainability, audience engagement, and digital transformation. Learn more about how to join:
Introducing the Lenfest Expert Network
A new pro-bono service connecting local news organizations with experienced consultants who provide tailored expertise.
www.lenfestinstitute.org
November 6, 2025 at 5:37 PM
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Lenfest Expert Network, a free service connecting local news orgs with consultants who provide hands-on support to strengthen sustainability, audience engagement, and digital transformation. Learn more about how to join:
As year-end giving season approaches, now is the time to inspire deeper support for local journalism. Join the Lenfest News Philanthropy Network for a workshop this Thursday, Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. EST / 11 a.m. PST to learn about a new messaging toolkit for local news created by Press Forward.
Unlock the power of words: Messaging tools to boost local news fundraising
Press Forward shares details on a new fundraising messaging toolkit at a Nov. 6 Lenfest News Philanthropy Network workshop.
www.lenfestinstitute.org
November 4, 2025 at 3:38 PM
As year-end giving season approaches, now is the time to inspire deeper support for local journalism. Join the Lenfest News Philanthropy Network for a workshop this Thursday, Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. EST / 11 a.m. PST to learn about a new messaging toolkit for local news created by Press Forward.
Is your local news organization looking to reduce its reliance on its print product? Apply now for Beyond Print grants, which support experiments in accelerating digital sustainability. Applications are open now through Nov. 17:
Lenfest Institute for Journalism announces $400K Beyond Print grant program
Beyond Print grants support independent local newspapers looking to reduce reliance on print and accelerate digital sustainability.
www.lenfestinstitute.org
October 31, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Is your local news organization looking to reduce its reliance on its print product? Apply now for Beyond Print grants, which support experiments in accelerating digital sustainability. Applications are open now through Nov. 17:
Artificial intelligence is reshaping journalism — but how can you use it responsibly and effectively in your daily work? Join us in Philadelphia on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m. EST for a free, hands-on, in-person workshop designed specifically for journalists, editors, and audience professionals.
A Journalist’s Guide to AI
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism,
www.eventbrite.com
October 29, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Artificial intelligence is reshaping journalism — but how can you use it responsibly and effectively in your daily work? Join us in Philadelphia on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m. EST for a free, hands-on, in-person workshop designed specifically for journalists, editors, and audience professionals.
Creator journalists are becoming essential components of local news ecosystems. But how can news funders determine which creators are credible sources of local news and worthy of investing in?
The Creator Journalism Trust and Credibility Toolkit is here to help.
The Creator Journalism Trust and Credibility Toolkit is here to help.
The Creator Journalism Trust and Credibility Toolkit: A guide for funders
The Creator Journalism Trust and Credibility Toolkit helps local news funders engage in partnerships with credible creator journalists.
www.lenfestinstitute.org
October 28, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Creator journalists are becoming essential components of local news ecosystems. But how can news funders determine which creators are credible sources of local news and worthy of investing in?
The Creator Journalism Trust and Credibility Toolkit is here to help.
The Creator Journalism Trust and Credibility Toolkit is here to help.
Save the date: The Lenfest News Philanthropy Summit is returning in 2026! Join The Lenfest Institute, Press Forward, and hundreds of local news fundraising professionals from around the world from May 18–20, 2026 in Philadelphia 💸💡🤝
October 23, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Save the date: The Lenfest News Philanthropy Summit is returning in 2026! Join The Lenfest Institute, Press Forward, and hundreds of local news fundraising professionals from around the world from May 18–20, 2026 in Philadelphia 💸💡🤝
Independent local newspapers: Apply now for Beyond Print grants, which support experiments to reduce reliance on print, accelerate digital sustainability, embrace new distribution platforms, and reach new and younger audiences.
Lenfest Institute for Journalism announces $400K Beyond Print grant program
Beyond Print grants support independent local newspapers looking to reduce reliance on print and accelerate digital sustainability.
www.lenfestinstitute.org
October 22, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Independent local newspapers: Apply now for Beyond Print grants, which support experiments to reduce reliance on print, accelerate digital sustainability, embrace new distribution platforms, and reach new and younger audiences.
Reposted by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism
Michael Days, a pillar of Philadelphia journalism who championed young Black journalists and was beloved among reporters who worked for him at the Philadelphia Daily News and Philadelphia Inquirer, died suddenly on Saturday at the age of 72 in Trenton.
Michael Days, pioneering journalist who led the Philadelphia Daily News during its 2010 Pulitzer Prize win for investigative reporting, has died at 72
Days was a mentor to countless young journalists and was president of the National Association of Black Journalists-Philadelphia.
www.inquirer.com
October 19, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Michael Days, a pillar of Philadelphia journalism who championed young Black journalists and was beloved among reporters who worked for him at the Philadelphia Daily News and Philadelphia Inquirer, died suddenly on Saturday at the age of 72 in Trenton.
The Lenfest Institute congratulates former Lenfest Institute Board member and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, investigative journalist, and editor Amanda Bennett, who received the 2025 Freedom of the Press Career Achievement Award from @rcfp.org last night in New York City.
RCFP announces 2025 Freedom of the Press Award recipients
Freedom of the Press Awards, hosted by Judy Woodruff, return Oct. 15 to celebrate leaders in journalism and law
www.rcfp.org
October 16, 2025 at 4:49 PM
The Lenfest Institute congratulates former Lenfest Institute Board member and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, investigative journalist, and editor Amanda Bennett, who received the 2025 Freedom of the Press Career Achievement Award from @rcfp.org last night in New York City.
If you're in Philadelphia this week, don't miss “Free Speech at the Crossroads: A Keystone Dialogue," taking place Oct. 15-16 at Temple University.
Georgetown University’s Free Speech Project will explore the state of free speech in America alongside public officials, scholars, & journalists.
Georgetown University’s Free Speech Project will explore the state of free speech in America alongside public officials, scholars, & journalists.
Free Speech at the Crossroads: A Keystone Dialogue 2 - The Free Speech Project
freespeechproject.georgetown.edu
October 13, 2025 at 4:28 PM
If you're in Philadelphia this week, don't miss “Free Speech at the Crossroads: A Keystone Dialogue," taking place Oct. 15-16 at Temple University.
Georgetown University’s Free Speech Project will explore the state of free speech in America alongside public officials, scholars, & journalists.
Georgetown University’s Free Speech Project will explore the state of free speech in America alongside public officials, scholars, & journalists.
As part of the Lenfest AI Collaborative and Fellowship Program, in partnership with OpenAI and Microsoft, the fellows have already tested and launched several AI tools that help employees streamline their workflows — and now, they’re sharing their code for your newsroom to learn from, too.
October 7, 2025 at 2:21 PM
As part of the Lenfest AI Collaborative and Fellowship Program, in partnership with OpenAI and Microsoft, the fellows have already tested and launched several AI tools that help employees streamline their workflows — and now, they’re sharing their code for your newsroom to learn from, too.
Reposted by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism
"Keep up with your people. Celebrate their wins. Be there for them when life happens. Make an effort to see them when you’re in their town, or they’re in yours. Ask for help when you need it, and offer help when you can give it." Meena knows what is up.
“Yes, journalism is a craft. Yes, it’s a business. But more than anything, it’s a people practice.” Meena Thiruvengadam, our Lenfest Audience Community facilitator, shared how connection and community were top-of-mind at #ONA25 earlier this month 👇
What we learned at ONA25: From solo creators to shared purpose
More than anything, journalism is a people practice. At ONA25, we strengthened our connections with our audiences — and each other.
www.lenfestinstitute.org
October 1, 2025 at 8:48 PM
"Keep up with your people. Celebrate their wins. Be there for them when life happens. Make an effort to see them when you’re in their town, or they’re in yours. Ask for help when you need it, and offer help when you can give it." Meena knows what is up.
The Lenfest News Philanthropy Network is hosting a workshop on Oct. 16 at 2:30 p.m. EDT / 11:30 a.m. PDT featuring @chronphilanthropy.bsky.social. Learn insights from the broader philanthropic field — including details on donor trends, tax laws, and more — and how you can apply them to local news.
Fundraising trends with The Chronicle of Philanthropy
The Chronicle of Philanthropy joins the Lenfest News Philanthropy Network to share insights from the broader philanthropic field.
www.lenfestinstitute.org
October 1, 2025 at 6:41 PM
The Lenfest News Philanthropy Network is hosting a workshop on Oct. 16 at 2:30 p.m. EDT / 11:30 a.m. PDT featuring @chronphilanthropy.bsky.social. Learn insights from the broader philanthropic field — including details on donor trends, tax laws, and more — and how you can apply them to local news.
“Yes, journalism is a craft. Yes, it’s a business. But more than anything, it’s a people practice.” Meena Thiruvengadam, our Lenfest Audience Community facilitator, shared how connection and community were top-of-mind at #ONA25 earlier this month 👇
What we learned at ONA25: From solo creators to shared purpose
More than anything, journalism is a people practice. At ONA25, we strengthened our connections with our audiences — and each other.
www.lenfestinstitute.org
September 30, 2025 at 2:18 PM
“Yes, journalism is a craft. Yes, it’s a business. But more than anything, it’s a people practice.” Meena Thiruvengadam, our Lenfest Audience Community facilitator, shared how connection and community were top-of-mind at #ONA25 earlier this month 👇
Reposted by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism
Two weeks to go! Conference updates:
• Expanding to address the accelerating challenges
• Group discounts and individual support available
• Complete agenda, conference faculty and more
Info and tickets: PCGVR.org
• Expanding to address the accelerating challenges
• Group discounts and individual support available
• Complete agenda, conference faculty and more
Info and tickets: PCGVR.org
September 18, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Two weeks to go! Conference updates:
• Expanding to address the accelerating challenges
• Group discounts and individual support available
• Complete agenda, conference faculty and more
Info and tickets: PCGVR.org
• Expanding to address the accelerating challenges
• Group discounts and individual support available
• Complete agenda, conference faculty and more
Info and tickets: PCGVR.org
Service-oriented journalism can help provide deeper impact data and ensure your reporting is relevant. But how can we adopt this approach when so many systems in our industry are resistant to change? Madison Karas & @pboehler.net explored this idea through workshops and one-on-one sessions 👇
Service-oriented journalism: Moving from idealism to utility
Journalism can be more impactful if we focus on the utility people receive from it. But what obstacles are preventing us from getting there?
www.lenfestinstitute.org
September 17, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Service-oriented journalism can help provide deeper impact data and ensure your reporting is relevant. But how can we adopt this approach when so many systems in our industry are resistant to change? Madison Karas & @pboehler.net explored this idea through workshops and one-on-one sessions 👇