Three nonprofit news organizations will share $455,000 in grants from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
The funding bolsters innovation and the sharing of best practices among investigative and independent reporters, according to the announcement Thursday.
The Institute for Nonprofit News received $180,000 to launch a digital hub for information including case studies and lessons on business planning. INN also will introduce in-person training to grow audience engagement and revenue opportunities. Current is an INN member.
Investigative Reporters and Editors was awarded $75,000 for training at next year’s IRE and National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting conferences. It will also help fellows from the Ida B. Wells Society attend the conferences. The new organization works to support investigative and data journalists of color.
And Local Independent Online News Publishers received $200,000 to hire a full-time executive director. The Tucson, Ariz.–based organization helps independent journalists develop technology and business skills and sponsors regional workshops and an annual conference.
“Nonprofit, investigative and independent news organizations play an essential role in providing credible journalism to communities,” the grant announcement said. “They help to fill widening gaps in local news coverage, as cuts to legacy newsrooms continue to impact coverage of pressing community issues. Despite this fact, they continue to face many challenges to launch and sustain their newsrooms, and struggle to develop successful business models, update skills and increase diversity in their ranks.”