Workshops for Local News Funders

Free sessions to help funders strengthen local journalism and communities

Poynter’s Workshops for Local News Funders, created through support from the Knight Foundation and in partnership with Press Forward, equip funders with the skills and frameworks to assess news organizations, understand journalism ethics and practices, and identify funding models that have real impact while respecting journalistic independence.

Led by Poynter journalism and ethics faculty Megan Griffith-Greene and Kelly McBride, these free workshops are anchored in Poynter’s foundation of media and ethics teaching. Each workshop is interactive, practical and grounded in a deep knowledge of journalism. Funders will leave in-person or virtual sessions with actionable information and a clear sense of how to apply it.

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What we offer

  • Intensive in-person or virtual workshops led by Megan Griffith-Greene and Kelly McBride 
  • Virtual peer-learning courses for experienced funders looking to deepen and enhance their strategies
  • Consulting and meeting facilitation for funders and Press Forward chapters
  • A self-directed, comprehensive online course designed to equip people new to funding local journalism with tools to make impactful investments

Contact us to find out about custom workshops or consulting that works for your organization.

Testimonials

“The insight of our Poynter presenter was spot on. The fundamental need for local news was so strongly identified.” – Billy Crews, former newspaper publisher and education development officer

“Very informative and thought provoking.” – Jessica Hanzlicek Treadwell, Wichita Foundation

“All of the suggestions and guidance shared felt like it was directly applicable to what we’re trying to accomplish and addressed the challenges well while also giving a road map for navigating the challenges.” – Karen Duncan, Community Foundation of North Florida

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Lead Faculty

  • Megan Griffith-Greene
    Faculty
    Megan Griffith-Greene is on the faculty at Poynter. Her work focuses on training and coaching funders interested in supporting local news, and is funded by...
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  • Kelly McBride
    Senior Vice President and Chair of Craig Newmark Center for Ethics and Leadership
    Kelly McBride is a journalist, consultant and one of the country’s leading voices on media ethics and democracy. She is senior vice president and chair...
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Contributing Faculty

  • Sitara Nieves
    Vice President, Teaching and Organizational Strategy
    Sitara Nieves is the Vice President of Teaching and Organizational Strategy at Poynter, where she sets strategy and oversees programs to train thousands of journalists...
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