California Civic Media Program

California Civic Media Program

Overview: A significant public-private funding partnership between the State of California and Google to sustain local news and expand civic information across California. Journalism Funding Partners serves as the third-party administrator for the private funding component.

Funders:

Public Funds: State of California (administered by The James B. McClatchy Foundation)

Private Funds: Google ($10 million private fund through California Civic Media Fund, administered by JFP)

Geographic Scope: California

Total Funding: Combined public-private partnership; Google's private fund totals $10 million

Program Partners:

State Administrator: The James B. McClatchy Foundation (manages state funds)

Private Fund Administrator: Journalism Funding Partners

Oversight: Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), with direction from the Office of Governor Newsom

Funder: Google

Focus Areas:

Sustaining local news

Expanding civic information access across California

Supporting community-centered journalism

Locally rooted, responsive journalism that serves community needs

Eligibility:

California newsrooms

News organizations of all business models

Key Features:

Unified Application Process: Single application for both state and private funds

Streamlined Administration: JFP's role reduces administrative burden on news organizations

Accelerated Funding Timelines: Efficient process designed to move funds quickly to newsrooms

Mission Focus: Support for reporting that informs communities, strengthens accountability, and reflects lived experiences of residents

Background:

Partnership selected JFP based on proven track record managing multimillion-dollar local journalism initiatives

JFP selected for operational expertise and newsroom-centered approach

Long-standing relationship between Google and JFP Executive Director Rusty Coats (15 years)

Represents Google's confidence in JFP's financial controls, audit-ready financials, and compliance infrastructure

Part of broader effort to maintain informed public and healthy democracy through sustained local news

Status: Active (announced March 2026)

Contact:

Program Inquiries: CACivicMedia@gobiz.ca.gov

Journalism Funding Partners: rusty@jfp-local.org | (813) 277-8959