For-profit newsrooms can participate without an existing fiscal sponsor. However, all selected newsrooms must create a profile on the Press Forward Mightycause campaign page. Because Mightycause only hosts nonprofit profiles, for-profit newsrooms will need a nonprofit fiscal sponsor or partner for that purpose.

You can still use your existing fundraising platform to collect contributions, as long as you can provide the required donation records.

A fiscal sponsor is a nonprofit organization that can receive and manage charitable contributions on behalf of another organization or project.

Don't have a fiscal sponsor? Not sure if you need one? That's okay! Our interest form lets you tell us whether you're fiscally sponsored, and we can help you find one. You don't need to have everything arranged before getting involved.

Every participating newsroom must:

1. Be a nonprofit newsroom or a locally owned for-profit newsroom serving local residents of California's Central Valley
2. Be actively publishing original, locally relevant, non-advocacy, nonpartisan, public service journalism, at least two articles per week
3. Have at least one full-time equivalent (FTE) journalist(s) employed by the organization, and based in the community(ies) they serve. One FTE can consist of multiple part-time individuals, including staff, contractors, and community contributors.
4. Adhere to the professional and editorial standards of the Society of Professional Journalists
5. Participate in campaign preparation and use materials

Who is not eligible?

• 501(c)(4) organizations
• Newsrooms whose primary audience is outside the Central Valley
• Newsrooms owned or controlled by non-local, for-profit companies
• Organizations that do not meet the journalism or staffing requirements above

We're looking for a variety of newsrooms from across the Central Valley, including smaller organizations and those serving communities with limited access to local news.

New to fundraising? That's okay! Previous fundraising experience is not required.

Email pressforward@jbmcclatchyfoundation.org with your name and newsroom, and we'll send you a short interest form. It takes about 5 minutes and asks for basic information about your newsroom and the communities you serve.

Press Forward Central Valley will select a geographically diverse group of newsrooms based on community information needs, organizational capacity, fundraising goals, and potential impact. Everyone who completes the interest form will be notified by January 8, 2027.

Important dates

During April 1 to 30, 2027, participating newsrooms will receive $2 in matching funds for every $1 in eligible contributions, up to their approved matching limit.

Which contributions count?

• New donations from individuals, including people who have supported your newsroom before
• New memberships and subscriptions purchased by individuals
• Recurring contributions started during the campaign
• Contributions made by check, with proper documentation

What are the rules?

• Individual contributions only. Donations from businesses, foundations, and other organizations are welcome but do not qualify for matching funds.
• April 1 to 30, 2027. Contributions must be pledged and received during the campaign period.
• $1,000 per donor limit. Up to $1,000 from each individual can count toward the match. Larger gifts are welcome, but only the first $1,000 qualifies for matching funds.

Can we accept contributions outside these rules?

Absolutely! Your newsroom can still accept support from businesses, foundations, and other sources, as well as contributions outside the campaign period. Those funds simply won't count toward your matching grant.

How do we document contributions?

You'll submit a report showing each eligible donor's name, contribution date, and amount by May 14, 2027. Contributions by check also require copies of the checks and deposit slips.

Matching funds can be used for general operating support. For-profit newsrooms working with fiscal sponsors may have additional requirements.

You can use your existing fundraising platform, such as a membership system, donation processor, or community foundation giving page. Whatever platform you use must be able to provide a report showing each eligible contribution, including donor name, contribution date, and amount.

Newsrooms that need a fundraising platform can use Mightycause at no cost.

Do we have to use Mightycause?

No, but every selected newsroom must create a profile on the Press Forward Mightycause campaign page, which helps supporters discover participating newsrooms across the country. Because Mightycause only supports nonprofit profiles, for-profit newsrooms will need a nonprofit fiscal sponsor or partner to create their profile.

Can checks count?

Yes. Checks received during the campaign period can qualify, with copies of the checks and deposit slips included in your documentation.

Participating newsrooms agree to:

1. Attend virtual fundraising training during February and March 2027
2. Prepare and run an audience fundraising campaign from April 1 to 30, 2027, including Local News Day promotions on April 8
3. Set up a fundraising page or use an existing platform that can track individual contributions, and create a profile on the Press Forward Mightycause campaign page
4. Submit fundraising documentation by May 14, 2027, including donor names, contribution dates, and amounts
5. Submit a brief final report by May 31, 2027, sharing results, lessons learned, and campaign feedback
6. Participate in program evaluation and share available photos, videos, or community impact stories
7. Acknowledge Press Forward and Press Forward Central Valley in campaign communications, using the guidance provided

How much time will training take?

Sessions generally last 60 to 90 minutes. Experienced fundraisers may attend one or two sessions, while newer fundraisers may attend up to three. Training is required, but support will be tailored to your experience.

When will we receive matching funds?

Matching funds will be distributed after contributions are reviewed and verified, no later than June 30, 2027.

Local News Day is a national day of action that encourages communities to connect with and support local news. The next Local News Day is April 8, 2027, during the Matching Challenge campaign.

Absolutely! This program welcomes first-time fundraisers. Training and tools will help you prepare.

That's okay. You'll earn matching funds based on what you raise, up to your approved limit. For example, raising $2,000 could earn another $4,000, for $6,000 total.

Up to $10,000 in matching funds.

Yes. Previous participation in a matching campaign or Press Forward funding does not disqualify you.

Press Forward Central Valley will share necessary information with Press Forward, The Miami Foundation, and authorized program partners for program administration, contribution verification, evaluation, and reporting. Your publication name and basic newsroom information may be shared publicly. Individual financial information will be kept confidential, and public financial reporting will use aggregated results.

You can still explore available fundraising resources and, if eligible, set up a free Mightycause fundraising page.