Local news that residents can count on is essential to thriving communities. It connects us, holds leaders accountable and helps us make good decisions.

Yet at a time when our need to know is greater than ever, the local news outlets we have long relied on are struggling to keep us informed. Changes in technology, advertising revenues, social media and many other factors leave us with fewer reporters to deliver the local news we need.

That’s why the Community Foundation of Broward is part of Press Forward South Florida, a collaboration launched in 2025 to rally support for local news and information to ensure everyone has access to the knowledge communities need to thrive.

After more than a year of study to gauge South Florida news needs, Press Forward South Florida is opening its first round of grants to strengthen local newsrooms across the region. This includes two types of support now being offered to local news organizations:

• Newsroom Strength grants pair local news organizations with a professional sustainability audit and coaching through LION Publishers — a national network dedicated to helping independent newsrooms build lasting business models — plus a $20,000 stipend to act on what they learn.
• Collaboration grants of $20,000–$100,000 over two years support newsrooms that want to work together to share infrastructure, audiences, and resources to do more than any one outlet can do alone.

How to Apply for Grants

Local news organizations have until July 24 to apply for the new Press Forward South Florida grants.

Eligible applicants must be local news outlets focused on providing and producing original local reporting in Broward, Miami-Dade and/or Monroe counties.

Applicants apply using The Miami Foundation’s grants portal. CLICK HERE to see the full grant guidelines and to apply online.

Two virtual info sessions are scheduled for July 7 and July 10, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., to help potential applicants learn more about the grants.  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR JULY 7 and CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR JULY 10.

If you have questions, please email info@pressforwardsouthflorida.news

More About Press Forward

Press Forward South Florida includes The Miami Foundation, the Community Foundation of Broward, the Key Biscayne Community Foundation, the Coral Gables Community Foundation and the Ocean Reef Community Foundation.

We are part of a network of Press Forward chapters nationwide, working to strengthen local news so communities stay informed, connected and engaged. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PRESS FORWARD SOUTH FLORIDA.

More About the State of South Florida’s Local News

The two types of grants being offered are based on what’s been learned from Press Forward South Florida’s forthcoming report, The State of South Florida Local News: Community Needs & Opportunities.

Researchers found that our media ecosystem is busy and vibrant — but also fragmented and uneven. The research revealed ongoing gaps between what communities say they need — and how they access information — and what our local news ecosystem can provide.

According to the report, most residents trust local news and want more from it. 61% of survey respondents said local news can be trusted to get things right. 65% said it helps them be a better citizen. More than half said it helps hold leaders accountable. And yet, residents are also telling us that local coverage doesn’t always reflect their lives or their most pressing concerns. A third actively disagreed with the statement “I feel people like me are seen and represented in local media.”

The report shows that where people get their news and where they trust it are two different things. 66% of respondents turn to social media for local news at least a few times a week — even though those same platforms rank near the bottom for trust. As one focus group participant put it: “The challenge is how to find the information and know if it’s true.”

Local newsrooms that are stronger, better resourced and more connected to one another can better serve the communities that need them most.

Later this year, Press Forward South Florida will release the full landscape report with everything  learned about how South Florida residents access, trust and engage with local news.

To learn more about the Community Foundation of Broward's role with Press Forward South Florida, contact Andy Reid, Director of Communications, at areid@cfbroward.org or 954-761-9503.