September 22, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Latest investments expand local reporting, Spanish-language journalism and journalism training across New Jersey
September 22, 2026 – The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium has announced nine renewal grant awards totaling $376,000, bringing the Consortium’s total investment in local news and civic information to approximately $13.8 million since 2021.
The latest awards support local and accountability reporting, Spanish-language journalism, student and community journalism training, state government coverage, and organizational sustainability. Together, the projects strengthen both the information available to New Jersey communities today and the people and infrastructure needed to sustain local journalism for the future.
“These renewal awards reflect NJCIC’s commitment to ensuring that people across New Jersey have access to trusted, relevant information about the communities where they live,” said Lisa Sahulka, Executive Director of the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium. “Each of these grantees is helping residents better understand local issues, participate in government and make informed decisions—and we are proud to invest in their continued growth and impact.”
— Lisa Sahulka, Executive Director of the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium
HudPost ($50,000) – To support original reporting on civic affairs, local businesses, social services and community resources across Hudson County, including Spanish-language print distribution through El Especialito.
The Signal @ The College of New Jersey ($11,000) – To support student journalism training, expanded community reporting in Ewing and surrounding areas, and multimedia journalism production.
Hammonton Gazette — Neighbors ($30,000) – To support dedicated reporting staff and expanded local news coverage in Egg Harbor City, Mullica, Folsom, Waterford and neighboring communities.
Hammonton Gazette — Gazette Español ($30,000) – To support Spanish-language reporting and expanded digital, visual and audio journalism for Spanish-speaking communities.
Central Jersey News Network ($50,000) – To support expanded field-based civic and community coverage, video production, and multimedia journalism training for student interns.
NJ Urban News ($60,000) – To support original and accountability reporting on health equity, housing, education, economic opportunity, local government and public policy across New Jersey.
New Jersey Council for the Humanities + Journalism + Design Lab ($60,000) – To support community journalism certificate programs at four New Jersey community colleges and expand pathways for participants to produce and distribute local civic information.
State House News Service ($60,000) – To support student journalists covering New Jersey state government and politics while expanding multimedia reporting distributed to local media outlets statewide.
NJ Urban News — Infrastructure Support (up to $25,000) – To support legal expenses associated with the organization’s transition from a for-profit to nonprofit structure.
Since awarding its first grants in 2021, the Consortium has invested approximately $13.8 million in strengthening New Jersey’s civic information ecosystem. Through its grantmaking and programs, the Consortium has supported community-based news and information across 19 of New Jersey’s 21 counties, helping communities access the reliable, relevant information they need to stay informed, connected, and engaged.
NJCIC provides financial resources and training, advances research and innovation, and strengthens trustworthy, community-based news and information across New Jersey. Explore its grantmaking reach here.
Madison McCool
Communications Manager
madi@njcivicinfo.org
Download a PDF copy of the full press release for your records or to share with colleagues.
Download PDFThe New Jersey Civic Information Consortium works to strengthen local journalism and civic information across the state.