Journalism is essential to democracy and civic life. Beyond delivering facts and analysis, it elevates community voices, sparks dialogue, and equips people to make informed decisions. At its best, journalism builds trust, ensures accountability, and strengthens social connection.
A free and independent press is central to this work. It holds power accountable, reflects diverse perspectives, and ensures communities have access to reliable information, especially during times of crisis. Yet with significant cuts to public media, these functions are increasingly under threat. For decades, public media outlets have been a cornerstone of civic infrastructure, often serving as the primary source of trusted local news, emergency alerts, and educational or cultural programming. The weakening of these institutions contributes to the spread of “news and resource deserts,” undermining the foundation of an informed and engaged public.
This program will convene journalists, community leaders, funders, and experts to explore how shifts in the media landscape affect our democracy. Together, we’ll examine how the news media portrays nonprofits and philanthropy, and how those portrayals shape public understanding of community challenges and responses.
Join us as we explore how newsrooms and nonprofit organizations are working to fill the gaps left by funding cuts, and how journalism, civic institutions, philanthropy, and communities can collaborate to safeguard and sustain a free and independent press.
What will you learn?
- How nonprofit and mission-driven news organizations are innovating to cover threats and opportunities for democracy at both the local and national level.
- The challenges facing nonprofit journalism—from sustainability to trust-building—and how philanthropy can help address them.
- The role of philanthropy in an evolving and complex media ecosystem.
Speakers
PhilTalks
- Lolly Bowean, Program Officer, Creativity and Free Expression, Ford Foundation
- Elizabeth Green, Founder & CEO, Civic News Company (Publisher of Chalkbeat, Votebeat, and Healthbeat)
- Jess King, Executive Director, Steinman Institute for Civic Engagement
- Megan McAllister, Senior Program Officer, Altman Foundation
- Deborah McManus, President, DJ McManus Foundation
- Eileen Wiseman, Program Director, The Tow Foundation
Panel 1: Reporting on Journalism & Democracy
- James West, Executive Editor, Center for Investigative Reporting
- Richard Kim, Editor-in-Chief, The City
- Tracy Weber, Managing Editor, ProPublica
- Students with PressPass
- Beth Fertig (Moderator), Executive Director, Press Pass NYC
Panel 2: Innovations in Journalism & Democracy
-
Will Kaback, Senior Editor, Tangle
- Taylor McGraw, Executive Director, The Bell
- Graciela Mochkofsky, Dean, Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY
- Erickson Blakney (Moderator), Program Officer, Pinkerton Foundation
Who should attend?
All interested funders, including funders in journalism, democracy, and related roles. What to expect: panel discussions, Q&A, and light networking reception. Light snacks and beverages will be provided.
How do you sign up?
2:00 PM to 5:30 PM Program
Registration is required by October 29th.
Members: To register yourself and/or a colleague at your organization, please log in and click the “Register Now” link above. (No fee.)
Guests of Collaborators: Please email register@philanthropynewyork.org with your name, title, organizational affiliation, business mailing address, and phone number. Please indicate by which organizer you were invited. (No fee.)
Non-Member Funders: Please email register@philanthropynewyork.org. ($150 fee.)
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