This week, the Facebook Journalism project announced that they are offering a total of $1 million in grants to support freelancers and local news organizations in the U.S. and Canada covering the coronavirus.
The program will prioritize supporting small, independent news outlets and freelancers that serve under-served and vulnerable communities.
Grants of up to $5,000 will be given to local newsrooms to “help cover unexpected costs associated with coronavirus reporting.” These costs may include but are not limited to tools to work remotely, increases in coverage to inform communities and to combat misinformation, and other costs associated with serving vulnerable and at-risk communities.
The Independent News Challenge is partnering with the Facebook Journalism Project and News Media Canada to ensure that this funding reaches local newsrooms in need of support across Canada. INC’s role is to ensure independent outlets serving underrepresented communities apply for the program.
“Independent news organizations have a critically important role to play in getting accurate information to communities that are not being served the information they need,” says Erin Millar, founder and CEO of The Discourse, which is one of several independent publishers involved in the Independent News Challenge. “We’re grateful for this opportunity to ensure small publishers receive the funding they need to serve those most vulnerable.”
These applications will be reviewed rapidly, and funding will be given out on a rolling basis until all funds have been given out. Learn more and apply here. Email erin@thediscourse.ca with any questions about applying. [end]
