The California Press Foundation, a nonprofit leader, uniter, convener and field-builder for the journalism industry, announces the launch of its latest fundraising campaign, "Funding the Future of Journalism." This initiative aims to raise $500,000 by July 31, 2024 to strengthen and support the future of journalism through innovative programs and initiatives.
Journalism plays a pivotal role in shaping public discourse, providing accurate information and upholding democratic values. However, the industry has faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, leading to a decline in resources and opportunities for aspiring journalists. Recognizing the need to secure a sustainable future for journalism, Cal Press has set forth this campaign to empower the next generation of journalists and ensure the vitality of quality reporting.
The "Funding the Future of Journalism" campaign will fund the following initiatives:
Grants: Cal Press will continue providing financial assistance to talented and dedicated journalism students. Over the years Cal Press has funded over 200 internship and equipment grants and plans to increase the number of grants awarded each year. By investing in journalism education, we aim to cultivate a diverse and skilled pool of student journalists who will go on to have successful careers in the industry.
Resources: Students and educators alike tell about lack of resources and insecure funding in the
industry and have been working to address those concerns. Cal Press plans to formally launch its project, Journalism Education Collaborative, a free platform through which students, educators, professionals and stakeholders across the state can connect with one another to network, share knowledge and resources, and seek and provide support, financial or otherwise.
Permanent Staff: The main goal of the fundraising effort is to strengthen and transform Cal Press so it can sustain its work and serve at a higher level as a catalyst in the field of news and journalism. The funds raised will enable Cal Press to hire a full-time executive director and support an updated website and expanded communications. To have a broader impact, Cal Press needs a permanent staff leader.
Our full board – with 100% participation – has pledged $50,000 to launch this campaign. In addition, Rowland and Pat Rebele have also donated a lead gift of $25,000, meaning we are kicking off with a combined $75,000 in support. With the help of our expanded community of Cal Press supporters, we now aim to raise an additional $75,000 in initial matching gifts by October 31, 2023 – and to reach our Fall Drive goal of $250,000 by December 31, 2023.
Join us in this vital endeavor to secure the future of journalism and strengthen our
democracy now and forever. To contribute or learn more about the"Funding the Future of Journalism" campaign, please visit here.
"Journalism makes our democracy work and empowers our communities to thrive, so it must be
preserved,” said Cal Press Chairman John Burns. “The California Press
Foundation strengthens quality journalism education programs and is working to
develop and grow the state’s newsgathering ecosystem. Please join us in
supporting the future of journalism in California.”
As Cal Press embarks on this journey, we invite individuals, corporations and
fellow nonprofit organizations to join hands and contribute to the future of
journalism. The future sustainability of journalism relies on financial
stability and non-traditional revenue models. Your support will help us build a
more informed, empathetic and equitable society.
“The California Press Foundation has earned my financial support because it is
California’s oldest and most consistent journalism support organization focused
on building new talent in the field through its long-standing internship and
equipment grant initiatives,” said Cal Press Director Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds.
“I’m looking forward to seeing all that it can accomplish with the additional
resources this new campaign can bring.”