A first-in-the-nation publicly-funded initiative to grow access to local news and information, designated as a local chapter of the national Press Forward initiative.
Press Forward New Jersey (PFNJ) is a first-in-the-nation publicly-funded initiative to grow access to local news and information. Designated as a local chapter of the national Press Forward initiative in February 2024, it is housed within the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium and the Community Foundation of New Jersey.
The initiative targets communities with limited access to local journalism, with a particular focus on supporting community-led news and information projects in regions of the state with the greatest need.
The inaugural grant round specifically supports community-led news and information projects in South Jersey, a region with significant news deserts.
PFNJ encourages philanthropic support through two complementary mechanisms.
A collaborative fund managed jointly by the Consortium and the Community Foundation of New Jersey, combining resources for maximum impact on local news ecosystems.
Contributions from foundations, governments, and individual donors focused on specific geographic or topical areas, allowing targeted support for communities in need.
Press Forward NJ is administered by staff from both partner organizations.
We invite journalism, media literacy, and civic engagement partners to participate through virtual and in-person meetings.