American Journalism Project Inc
American Journalism Project Inc. is a Washington, DC–based public charity that provides funding and strategic support to nonprofit local news organizations. Its work includes investing in existing newsrooms, helping launch new organizations, and supporting leaders as they build sustainable operations and revenue.
American Journalism Project Inc at a glance
In short: American Journalism Project Inc gave $18.5M across 52 grants in 2024 (avg $357K), top state Indiana. 17% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $18,548,537
- +39.7% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 52
- +23.8% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $356,703
- +12.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $202,475
- Total assets
- $66,446,853
- +16.0% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 17% first-time grantees (9 of 52, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Indiana (29% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to American Journalism Project Inc
- Contact
Mailing address: 6218 Georgia Avenue Nw 1-599, Washington, DC 20011
Phone: (301) 615-2145
Website: https://theajp.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from American Journalism Project Inc
Who American Journalism Project Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Free Press Indiana ($5.5M). Together the top 10 received $11.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
174 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 65 grants of 174 (37%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
AJP describes its work as supporting local news across the country. In 2024, the largest shares of grant dollars by recipient state went to Indiana (29%), California (11%), Texas (9%), Ohio (8%), and New York (6%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 52 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is American Journalism Project Inc open to new grantees?
17%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 9 of 52 grantees (17%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $299K; repeat grants $369K. How we count
Medians: $271K first-time, $200K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $4.9M (2020) to $18.5M (2024). In 2024 it made 52 grants totaling $18.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Free Press Indiana Indianapolis, IN | To grow and diversify revenue and to advance toward a sustainable model for local news. | $5,456,464 |
| Ohio Local Information Initiative Cleveland, OH | To grow and diversify revenue and to advance toward a sustainable model for local news. | $1,454,936 |
| Calmatters Sacramento, CA | To grow and diversify revenue and to advance toward a sustainable model for local news. | $812,000 |
| Fort Worth Report Fort Worth, TX | To grow and diversify revenue and to advance toward a sustainable model for local news. | $596,384 |
| Texas Tribune Inc Austin, TX | To grow and diversify revenue and to advance toward a sustainable model for local news. | $549,167 |
| The City Report Inc New York, NY | To grow and diversify revenue and to advance toward a sustainable model for local news. | $534,745 |
| Spotlight PA Harrisburg, PA | To grow and diversify revenue and to advance toward a sustainable model for local news. | $509,135 |
| Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism Madison, WI | To grow and diversify revenue and to advance toward a sustainable model for local news. | $494,471 |
| Southern California Public Radio Pasadena, CA | To grow and diversify revenue and to advance toward a sustainable model for local news. | $480,000 |
| Cityside Journalism Initiative Berkeley, CA | To grow and diversify revenue and to advance toward a sustainable model for local news. | $455,375 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $66,446,853 | $38,097,727 | $30,264,843 | $18,548,537 | 52 | $1,538,355 |
| 2023 | $57,277,288 | $24,428,280 | $20,350,451 | $13,280,016 | 42 | $983,405 |
| 2022 | $54,991,005 | $42,411,860 | $20,645,281 | $14,121,251 | 34 | $-173,457 |
| 2021 | $31,017,201 | $25,103,494 | $12,811,430 | $8,296,915 | 31 | $28,881 |
| 2020 | $18,588,446 | $11,356,257 | $8,044,834 | $4,889,920 | 15 | — |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
AJP’s stated mission is to build and support local news through grants, partnerships to launch new organizations, and coaching for newsroom leaders. Its grantmaking supports independent, mission-driven nonprofit news organizations with growth plans and a public-service mission. AJP says it focuses its investments on business and operational capacity, with the aim of helping organizations grow and diversify revenue.
AJP’s stated criteria include serving local audiences at the state, metro, or community level; making the core public-service journalism product free to the public; maintaining editorial independence; building trust and representing communities; and pursuing financial resilience and transparency. Its website describes a typical investment of about $1 million–$1.5 million over three years, with a growth plan intended to position the grantee to add at least $1 million in sustainable annual revenue after AJP funding concludes. Organizations must be independent 501(c)(3) organizations or intend to become one.
The organizations AJP supports work in varied local-news settings. For example, CalMatters says it aims to inform Californians about the people and interests shaping issues that affect their lives. The Fort Worth Report describes a commitment to objective local journalism that informs public decision-making and holds policymakers accountable. Spotlight PA says its investigative and public-service journalism seeks to hold powerful public and private forces accountable. Cityside Journalism Initiative describes itself as a nonpartisan nonprofit that operates Berkeleyside, The Oaklandside, and Richmondside.
Grantmaking
AJP made 52 grants totaling $18,548,537 in filing year 2024. Grants ranged from $8,069 to $5,456,464, with a median grant of $202,475. AJP’s website describes its usual investment as approximately $1 million–$1.5 million over three years. Its grantmaking process is competitive; AJP also describes hands-on strategic support tailored to each organization’s needs.
The largest 2024 grants included $5,456,464 to Free Press Indiana, $1,454,936 to Ohio Local Information Initiative, and $812,000 to CalMatters. Other notable awards were $596,384 to Fort Worth Report, $549,167 to Texas Tribune Inc., $534,745 to The City Report Inc., and $509,135 to Spotlight PA. The stated purpose for these grants was to grow and diversify revenue and advance toward a sustainable model for local news.
AJP’s website says its team identifies investment opportunities and works with prospective grantees through a competitive process to align on a growth plan. It also describes ongoing venture support, including a dedicated support partner, training, capacity building, and connections across its portfolio.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Joe Natoli as chairperson, Irving Washington as vice chairperson, and John Thornton as secretary. Directors listed were Rosenthal Alves, Jeff Cohen, Michelle De La Isla, Teresa Gorman, Peter Lattman, Maria Thomas, and Hillary Schneider.
American Journalism Project Inc is led by Sarabeth Berman, Chief Executive Officer on every filing since 2020; 9 of 20 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Sarabeth Berman
Chief Executive Officer
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$181K (2020) → $336K (2024)
Frederick Krift
CEO & Free Press Indiana
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$210K (2024)
Joe Natoli
Chairperson
Director → Chairperson, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeff Cohen
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Maria Thomas
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Peter Lattman
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rosenthal Alves
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Teresa Gorman
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michelle De La Isla
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Hillary Schneider
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jelani Cobb
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Loretta Chao
Head of Startup Studio & Local Philanthropy Partne
Vice President, Strategy & Startups → Vice President, 2021
Vice President → Head of Startup Studio & Local Philanthropy Partne, 2024
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$130K (2020) → $232K (2024)
Michael Ouimette
Chief Investment Officer
Senior Vice President, Strategy & Startups → Senior Vice President, 2021
Senior Vice President → Chief Investment Officer, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$171K (2020) → $248K (2024)
Michelle Srbinovich
Vice President & Growth Investments
Vice President & Portfolio Support → Vice President, 2021
Vice President → Vice President & Growth Investments, 2024
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$171K (2020) → $201K (2024)
Patty Slutsky
Chief Advancement Officer
Chief Development Officer → Chief Advancement Officer, 2024
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$126K (2020) → $224K (2024)
Amar Rajwani
Chief Financial & Administrative Officer
Chief Financial & Administrator Officer → Chief Financial & Administrative Officer, 2023
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$119K (2021) → $212K (2024)
Rene Gornall
Chief of Staff
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$156K (2022) → $198K (2024)
Darrin Kerr
Head of Growth Investments
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$209K (2024)
Irving Washington
Vice Chairperson
Director → Vice Chairperson, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Thornton
Secretary
Secretary & Treasurer → Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (6)
- Former: Jason Alcorn (2020–2023) — Vice President
- Former: Hermione Malone (2022–2023) — Vice President
- Former: Patricia Slutsky (2023) — Chief Advancement Officer
- Former: Anna Thomas (2020–2022) — Vice President
- Former: Alice Rhee (2020–2021) — Vice President
- Former: Elizabeth Green (2020–2021) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $336K, to Sarabeth Berman (Chief Executive Officer). 9 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about American Journalism Project Inc
How much does American Journalism Project Inc give each year?
American Journalism Project Inc gave $18.5M across 52 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $13.3M across 42 grants.
What is American Journalism Project Inc's typical grant size?
American Journalism Project Inc's median grant in 2024 was $202,475, and its average grant was $356,703, across 52 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from American Journalism Project Inc that year got $299K on average.
Where does American Journalism Project Inc give grants?
American Journalism Project Inc's top state is Indiana, with 29% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were California (11%) and Texas (9%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (3 grants), Phoenix, AZ (2 grants), Chicago, IL (2 grants) and Brooklyn, NY (2 grants).
Does American Journalism Project Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 52 grants with a stated purpose on American Journalism Project Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support.
Who are American Journalism Project Inc's largest grantees?
American Journalism Project Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Free Press Indiana ($5,456,464), Ohio Local Information Initiative ($1,454,936) and Calmatters ($812,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 42% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is American Journalism Project Inc?
American Journalism Project Inc reported $66.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $38.1M.
What does American Journalism Project Inc fund?
AJP’s stated mission is to build and support local news through grants, partnerships to launch new organizations, and coaching for newsroom leaders. Its grantmaking supports independent, mission-driven nonprofit news organizations with growth plans and a public-service mission. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from American Journalism Project Inc?
American Journalism Project Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check theajp.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is American Journalism Project Inc's EIN?
American Journalism Project Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 83-1772542. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS July 8, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS February 2, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 20, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 13, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 12, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). American Journalism Project Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 9, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/american-journalism-project-inc-morg_54e0af7805ea4be7938946e674488f67
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_831772542_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{American Journalism Project Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/american-journalism-project-inc-morg_54e0af7805ea4be7938946e674488f67},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-09. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from American Journalism Project Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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