Beyond Print Grant

Funder: The Lenfest Institute for Journalism Special Asset Fund of TPF

The Beyond Print Grant Program by The Lenfest Institute aims to support independent local newspapers in transitioning from print to digital formats. With funding of up to $400,000, the program encourages innovative strategies to enhance digital sustainability and engage younger audiences. Eligible applicants must demonstrate leadership commitment and focus on specified areas like communications, customer service, and digital revenue. This initiative is vital for fostering new revenue models and ensuring access to local journalism in the digital age.

The Lenfest Institute
The Lenfest Institute creates solutions for the next era of local news by investing in sustainable business models at the intersection of local journalism and community in Philadelphia and nationwide.
Our work
The Lenfest Institute provides grant funding, runs training programs, and synthesizes best practices to develop and disseminate sustainable solutions for local news providers.
Beyond Print Grant Program
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism is pleased to announce the 2025 Beyond Print Grant Program, which will provide up to $400,000 in total funding which supports independent local newspapers in reducing reliance on print, accelerating digital sustainability, embracing new distribution platforms, and reaching new and younger audiences. Individual grants will be awarded for up to $50,000 per organization.
Projects must be grounded in one or more specified focus areas. Grantees will contribute their results to the Toolkit, helping to expand the shared knowledge base for the industry.
Program goals
The Beyond Print program supports independent local newspapers in developing and testing strategies that:

• Accelerate the shift from print to digital while preserving or enhancing access to local journalism.
• Build sustainable revenue models, including subscriptions, advertising, membership, philanthropy, or other sources.
• Redesign digital products to match customer needs, including young consumers.
• Explore successful models for publishing on newer content distribution platforms.
• Generate actionable lessons that can be replicated by peers.

Eligibility

Who can apply: Independently-owned, local newspapers based in the U.S. that currently distribute a print product and are committed to digital transformation.Both for-profit and non-profit newspapers are eligible to apply.
Leadership commitment: Applications must demonstrate explicit support from the organization’s top leadership.
Project requirements: Must address at least one specified focus area with the goal of reducing print reliance and strengthening digital sustainability.
Eligible focus areas
Eligible grants will focus on subjects covered in the Beyond Print Toolkit, including:
Communications Developing clear communication plans for staff, advertisers, and the public to manage a smooth digital transition.Customer Service Enhancing customer support, including training representatives and developing tools to help readers transition to digital products.Digital Products The creation and enhancement of digital offerings, such as newsletters, podcasts, or platform-native content that is attractive to young consumers (e.g. Meta Reels, TikTok videos, podcasts).Digital Revenue Transitions Generating new income from digital audiences, including developing digital subscriptions, advertising models, and sponsored content.Events and Other Revenue Streams Leveraging community engagement and events to diversify revenue beyond traditional advertising.Manufacturing and Finance Addressing the financial and logistical aspects of print operations, including analyzing costs and identifying savings.Newsroom Processes Streamlining workflows and implementing new systems to operate more efficiently in a digital-first environment.Print Products Redefining the role of print, such as reimagining print editions or adjusting print frequency to provide unique value (e.g. developing a unique weekend edition delivered by USPS).Print Revenue Transitions Shifting revenue and advertiser relationships from print-specific models to a new, sustainable digital-first approach.Technology Systems Modernizing technical infrastructure, including migrating content management systems and integrating new tools.We’re also interested in novel ideas and experiments that focus on emerging areas of interest for an updated toolkit:
Creator Partnerships Collaborations with independent journalists or content creators to broaden audience reach and explore new revenue sources.Recruiting and Retaining Young Audiences Strategies to attract and engage with younger audiences on new platforms.