News for Vermonters, by Vermonters
Press Forward Vermont to Fund Collaboration Between News Outlets and Community Partners
Funding is now available for news and information providers and community partners through the Press Forward Vermont News & Community Collaboration grant program. This is the first competitive funding opportunity from Vermont’s chapter of Press Forward, a national effort to strengthen local news so people have the information they need to stay informed, connected, and engaged. The Vermont Community Foundation (VCF) is proud to lead this work in Vermont.
Local news is a public good. Like sidewalks and libraries, it benefits everyone. It helps people understand what’s happening in their communities and participate in shaping their future.
Last year, the Vermont Community Foundation asked Vermonters what they want from local news. The VCF heard that people want to see themselves reflected in local stories. They want reporting that is accessible, solutions-oriented, and relevant to their communities. At the same time, many local newsrooms face increasingly limited capacity to comprehensively cover local issues and community perspectives. Even when important stories are produced, they don’t always reach everyone who could benefit from them. Meanwhile, many Vermonters turn to trusted community-based organizations, such as service providers, nonprofits, and neighbors instead of traditional media to get information they can count on.
These findings point to an important opportunity. This new grant program will support collaboration between local news providers and community organizations to expand the reach of local news, engage new audiences, and create community-informed content. Funding may be used to launch new models or strengthen existing collaborations.
Applications must be submitted as a partnership between a Vermont news or information provider and a nonprofit or governmental community partner (examples include nonprofit organizations, schools, libraries, etc.). Priority will be given to projects that address one or more community-related needs, challenges, or opportunities identified in the Vermont News & Information Ecosystem Report.
The VCF intends to award approximately 10-12 grants of up to $10,000 each. First-time grantseekers are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026. Applicants will be notified about funding decisions by December 2026.
For complete eligibility requirements, program guidelines, and application information, visit vermontcf.org/pfvt-community-collab.
High-quality information is an essential ingredient for dialogue and decision-making.
Local journalism helps us engage in informed civil discourse. People who follow local news have increased rates of voting, and a greater sense of influence and attachment to their communities. Is this a topic you care deeply about?
