Congratulations to Our 2026 Iowa Newspaper Foundation Scholarship Recipients! We are proud to recognize two outstanding students who have been awarded scholarships through the Iowa Newspaper Foundation—supporting the next generation of journalists committed to informing their communities. Fred W. Woodward Scholarship: Elise Dykstra This scholarship honors the late Fred W. Woodward, longtime publisher of the Dubuque Telegraph Herald, and his enduring commitment to Iowa journalism. Carter Pitts Scholarship Endowment Award: Aubree Koop This scholarship was established through a generous gift from members of the Pitts family and continues the Carter Pitts legacy of supporting excellence in journalism. Congratulations to Aubree and Elise on this well‑deserved recognition. We look forward to following your academic journeys and future contributions to journalism! #IowaNewspaperFoundation #JournalismEducation #ScholarshipRecipients #FutureJournalists #IowaLocalNews
About us
The Iowa Newspaper Association and Foundation support a strong, sustainable future for local news across Iowa. We champion quality journalism, protect the public’s right to know, and provide the training, resources, and advocacy needed for news organizations to thrive. At the same time, we recognize that strong communities depend on strong local news businesses. Together, our members are committed to informing Iowans, strengthening civic engagement, and making a meaningful impact in the communities they serve.
- Website
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http://www.inanews.com
External link for Iowa Newspaper Association
- Industry
- Newspaper Publishing
- Company size
- 11-50 employees
- Headquarters
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Type
- Nonprofit
Locations
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Primary
Get directions
309 E 5th St
Des Moines, Iowa 50309, US
Employees at Iowa Newspaper Association
Updates
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🎉 Celebrating the next generation of Iowa journalists! The Iowa Newspaper Foundation is proud to award seven scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year to outstanding students pursuing careers in journalism. These scholarships support young Iowans who are passionate about storytelling, community impact, and the future of local news. 👏 Congratulations to this year’s recipients: • Tobias Landmesser — Carter Pitts/Le Mars Daily Sentinel Scholarship • Aubree Koop — Carter Pitts Scholarship Endowment Award • Lydia Gerety — Iowa Journalism Institute Scholarship • Henry Annen — David W. Belin Scholarship • Elise Dykstra — Fred W. Woodward Scholarship • Julieta Ortiz — Morlan Scholarship • Lindsey Beyer — Jack Hovelson Scholarship We’re grateful to the families, foundations, and supporters who make these opportunities possible and help honor the legacies of Iowa journalism leaders. INF received 40 applications this year—proof that the future of local news in Iowa is bright. 📣 Applications will open again in September 2026. Learn more at www.inanews.com. #Scholarships #IowaNews #FutureJournalists #LocalNewsMatters
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What’s happening in Rhode Island reflects a broader shift we’re seeing across the country—and here in Iowa. Through efforts like Press Forward and the work of the Iowa Newspaper Foundation, there is growing recognition that local news is essential community infrastructure. We’re encouraged to see community foundations stepping into this space and partnering with local news organizations to help strengthen informed, connected communities across our state. Jana S.
Community foundations are starting to see local news differently — and, critically, as 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲. In Rhode Island, that shift started with listening. During a year-long community engagement process, residents spoke with the THE RHODE ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION about the effects of division, disconnection, and misinformation. “One thing we heard over and over again from people was: can the Rhode Island Foundation do more to help bridge some of the divisions and bring people together?” said David Cicilline, the foundation’s President and CEO. That feedback led the foundation to see trusted, accessible local news as essential to civic health. Last week, on Local News Day, the foundation launched Press Forward Rhode Island to strengthen local news across the state. We’re excited to see Rhode Island be a part of the growing network of 44 Press Forward chapters nationwide. Learn more at the link in the comments.
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Deadline Today! Don't miss out this opportunity. Learn, connect, and grow with the Mores Media Fellowship and how it’s preparing the next generation of leaders. https://lnkd.in/g_Y4jn3s #LocalNews #LeadershipDevelopment #CommunityNews
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Deadline for submissions is approaching! Students/professors make sure you have May 1 on your calendars. We are excited to see the entries for the inaugural year!
Do you know someone studying business or journalism in Iowa? They could win $1,000 — Check out the First Annual Iowa Business-for-Good Journalism Contest, sponsored by the Iowa Newspaper Association in partnership with the Des Moines Business Record. The contest pairs one business student with one journalism student, enrolled at any accredited college or university in Iowa, to write a multimedia news story that spotlights organizations delivering both economic value and societal benefits to our Iowa communities. Key details: * Teams: 1 biz student & 1 journo student * Prizes: $1,000 to 1st place team + $1,000 award to the school * Winning stories may be published in the Des Moines Business Record * Deadline: May 1, 2026 Please share with anyone who might be interested — or reach out for any additional information.
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Today marks the first Local News Day! To help your newsroom celebrate, a variety of resources are available including: • Messaging and language guidance • A social media toolkit • Ready-to-use social assets Let’s take this opportunity to highlight the essential role local news plays in our communities. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating and sharing your story. https://lnkd.in/eNYjzPSt https://lnkd.in/eK6nV4mb https://lnkd.in/eTWNZYZn
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Today is Local News Day—a chance to recognize the essential role local journalism plays in keeping our communities informed, connected, and accountable. But it’s also a moment to look ahead. Across Iowa, newsrooms aren’t just reporting the news—they’re working to evolve. From strengthening audience engagement to improving data capabilities and building more sustainable revenue streams, local media is adapting to meet the demands of a rapidly changing landscape. That’s where the Iowa Local News Fund comes in. By investing in digital tools and capacity-building, we’re helping Iowa news organizations compete, grow, and continue serving their communities at a high level. Today, you can be part of that effort. With matching funds available, every dollar goes twice as far—turning a $20,000 goal into a $40,000 investment in the future of Iowa journalism. If local news has ever informed you, connected you, or strengthened your community, consider supporting it today. Any amount makes a difference. #LocalNewsDay #SupportLocalNews #IowaNews #JournalismMatters
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Did you know the Iowa Newspaper Foundation powers one of the industry’s most valuable training resources? Through its leadership and partnerships, the Foundation delivers Online Media Campus—a premier platform offering high-quality, affordable (and FREE with a state subscription) training for journalists, sales teams, and media professionals. 🎓 What you get: Dozens of live and on-demand webinars each year Topics covering reporting, writing, digital strategy, advertising, leadership & more Convenient, one-hour sessions—no travel required Access to expert trainers from across the U.S. and beyond This means direct access to ongoing professional development that keeps skills sharp in a rapidly evolving industry. Even better? The Foundation helps make these opportunities accessible by underwriting a significant portion of the expense. 💡 Whether you're a reporter, editor, publisher, or sales professional, there’s something for everyone. 👉 Explore upcoming webinars and training: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dCDxAKe8 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ducAa7eA Because strong local news starts with continuous learning.
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Did you know Iowa has a statewide organization dedicated to supporting student journalists? The Iowa College Media Association brings together 16 colleges across Iowa to support students working in radio, TV, digital, and print media. Through collaboration, ICMA creates meaningful opportunities for students to: • Build real-world skills • Gain hands-on experience • Connect with peers and industry professionals From student contests that showcase outstanding work, to an annual conference alongside Iowa Newspaper Association members, to year-round online training—this organization is helping shape the future of journalism in Iowa. The Iowa Newspaper Foundation is proud to support ICMA’s efforts both financially and administratively. Investing in student journalists today strengthens the future of local news tomorrow. #NextGeneration #StudentJournalism #LocalNews #IowaMedia
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Parents of high school students ... this camp is amazing. Even if your student isn't necessarily looking at journalism as a career path consider sending them for a week of fun, new experiences and .. something to fill a week this summer! You won't regret it. https://lnkd.in/gR_wZabm The Iowa Newspaper Foundation sponsors FIVE students to attend this camp FREE of charge. Investing in our next generation is one of the pillars of the INF mission.
Know a student who’s curious about storytelling, media, or journalism? The Iowa Newspaper Foundation is committed to building the future of journalism — and that starts with inspiring the next generation. We’re proud to sponsor five Iowa students to attend Media Now!, a dynamic three-night, four-day camp packed with hands-on projects, field trips and real-world media experience. 📍 July 7–10 📍 Drake University – Des Moines 👩🎓 For students entering 9th grade through graduating seniors 🚨 Registration is OPEN! 💰 Early Bird Discount ends April 14 — register before then and save $100! Go to https://lnkd.in/gR_wZabm to register!
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