How much funding does California Civic Media Program provide?

California Civic Media Program provides $10 million (private funds administered by JFP) in funding.

When is the deadline for California Civic Media Program?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

California Civic Media Program

Journalism Funding Partners

Foundation Grants for Journalism Community Services Grants

Funding Amount

$10 million (private funds administered by JFP)

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

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

How to Apply

Application Process

Unified Application:

Single application process for both state and private funds

Coordinated between JFP (private funds) and The James B. McClatchy Foundation (state funds)

Application Details:

Specific application procedures, materials, and deadlines not detailed in provided materials

Application designed to reduce administrative burden on newsrooms

Process streamlined to accelerate funding timelines

Eligibility Requirements:

Newsrooms located in California

News organizations of all business models accepted

Next Steps:

For complete application instructions and current deadlines, contact program administrators

Program website: [Available through GO-Biz]

Contact for Information:

Email: CACivicMedia@gobiz.ca.gov

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

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What Journalism Funding Partners actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 2024

Grants in 2024: 17
Total given: $3.96M
Median grant: $48K
Range: $7,956–$1.92M

By dollars: New York 54%, California 16%, Virginia 12%. Top recipient cities: New York, NY; Sacramento, CA; Burlington, VT.
0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.

Example grants

Associated Press · New York, NY

Targeted community journalism

$1.92M
Sij Holdings · Sacramento, CA

Targeted community journalism

$597K
Gannett CO · McLean, VA

Targeted community journalism

$480K
Url Media · New York, NY

Targeted community journalism

$209K
Trusting News · Sarasota, FL

Targeted community journalism

$193K

IRS Form 990-PF, 2024. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

Focus Areas & Funding Uses

Fields of Work

Deadline

April 7, 2027

Annual

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California Civic Media Program

Overview

California Civic Media Program

How to Apply

Application Process

What Journalism Funding Partners actually gave

Example grants

Focus Areas & Funding Uses

Fields of Work

Categories

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Ready to apply for California Civic Media Program?