Western Iowa Journalism Foundation Community News Grant

Mission: The Western Iowa Journalism Foundation believes that a robust and independent press is essential for a thriving democracy and is dedicated to supporting community-based news sources that provide professional journalism that informs, engages, and reflects the communities they serve.

Geographic Scope

• Region: Western Iowa only
• Community-based news sources in western Iowa

Focus Areas

• Local news coverage
• Digital access to news
• Professional journalism that educates, informs, and connects residents
• Rural newsrooms
• Long-term access to accurate local news and investigative reporting

Eligibility

• Organization Type: Both non-profit and for-profit organizations eligible
• Requirement: Must be community-based news sources in western Iowa
• Funding must directly support community journalism

What WIJF Does NOT Fund

• Individual applicants (Individuals)
• Endowments
• Organizations or projects that unlawfully discriminate with regard to employees, volunteers, delivery of programs or services, or clients served on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran
• Any organization or project inconsistent with WIJF's mission, vision, values, and strategic framework
• Funding that does not directly support community journalism ensuring long-term access to accurate local news and investigative reporting throughout western Iowa
• Lobbying as defined by the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), section 4945(d)(1)
• Political activities supporting political candidates or voter registration drives, as defined in IRC section 4945(d)(2)
• Pass-through grants

Background

WIJF is committed to supporting rural newsrooms and ensuring that local journalism speaks with authenticity, nuance, and equity. The foundation believes inclusion is about making sure the table represents every community, including those at the end of a gravel road.

Contact Information

Address: 15302 140th Street, Breda, Iowa 51436

How to Apply

Submission Timeline:

• Applications can be submitted at any time (rolling basis)
• Selection criteria can be found on page 7 of the Grant Handbook

Process:

1. Review the comprehensive Grant Handbook for detailed information
2. Review Eligibility Criteria
3. Review Selection Criteria (page 7 of Grant Handbook)
4. Submit application through the online portal at "Apply for Funds"

Required Materials:

• Specific required materials and narrative questions are referenced in the Grant Handbook but not detailed in the provided pages
• See comprehensive Grant Handbook for complete application requirements

Note: WIJF has worked to streamline and simplify the application process and make selection criteria as transparent as possible.