Journalism Guidelines
The brief description below explains our approaches to supporting journalism and the types of projects we seek to fund as part of our 2021-2025 strategy. For any questions you may have about our work or to inquire about applying for funding, please feel free to reach out to [email protected].
OUR APPROACH
The Joyce Foundation’s Journalism program invests in independent, nonpartisan reporting to help illuminate what Joyce identifies as the most important issues shaping the future of the Great Lakes region, and to inform fact-based policies and other measures needed to solve them. A strong and inclusive news and information system is a pillar of our democracy, smart decision-making, accountability for our leadership, and cohesion in our communities.
We define the Great Lakes region as Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What types of journalism grantmaking do you support?
We support journalism organizations, mostly nonprofit, whose high-quality, investigative coverage helps illuminate issues related to Joyce’s program areas in the Great Lakes region. This mostly involves projects and reporting positions. We also selectively fund national media coverage of critical issues that impact our region.
We support organizations and projects that strengthen the nonprofit journalism network in the Great Lakes region.
We support efforts to strengthen local and community news, including trusted messengers.
We support projects and programs that support early career journalists, particularly journalists of color, including fellowships, training programs, and other efforts to help them enter and remain in the field.
What are examples of the journalism you support?
Among recipients of our Journalism grants is The Trace, a non-partisan, nonprofit newsroom dedicated to shining light on the country’s gun violence crisis. With our funding, The Trace reports on the causes and impacts of gun violence in Chicago and the Great Lakes, in collaboration with regional media partners.
Another grant recipient is Bridge Michigan, a statewide news organization, and its sister newsroom, Bridge Detroit, both operated by the nonprofit Center for Michigan. Our funding has supported Bridge’s coverage of politics and government, the environment, and other key issues behind public policy and civic life in Michigan.
Among other news organizations we support are Chicago Public Media, Block Club Chicago, Chalkbeat, Open Campus, and Energy News Network/Midwest Energy News. We have funded issue-focused reporter workshops through the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, the Association of Health Care Journalists, Editorial Writers Association, and others.
Do you provide general operating support for news organizations?
Only in limited circumstances. Our journalism funding is primarily issues- and project-based.
Do you fund documentary filmmaking?
No. Among the platforms we do support are digital-only newsrooms, public broadcasters, and podcast producers.
Do you fund journalism education?
We do not support general journalism education for students. We support fellowships and training programs, and will consider other professional development opportunities for aspiring and dedicated journalists focused on important issues and policymaking.