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Visit funder's website →The Next Challenge for Media & Journalism is a grant competition from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation awarding $250,000 in total to early-stage media and journalism startups across the United States.
The largest competition of its kind open to both nonprofit and for-profit media startups, the 2026 Next Challenge focuses on reinventing local journalism. Division winners each receive up to $50,000, with an additional $25,000 Grand Prize for the most innovative entrant. Prize categories include Local News Innovation, Local News Infrastructure, and Local Creator Journalism.
All finalists receive a $3,000 stipend and travel support. Applications closed March 10, 2026.
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2026 Next Challenge for Media & Journalism Local News Infrastructure Local News Infrastructure Local News Infrastructure The 2026 Next Challenge will award $250,000 to startups reinventing local journalism. The Next Challenge for Media & Journalism is the largest competition open to nonprofit and for-profit media startups in the United States.
The Next Challenge isn’t just about funding startups, it’s about accelerating ideas that help local communities stay informed, connected, and engaged. $250,000 will be awarded to early-stage startups. Each division winner will receive a grant of up to $50,000, and a Grand Prize winner will receive an additional $25,000.
for Local News Innovation presented to a groundbreaking news organization that represents a new way forward for local journalism in the United States for Local News Infrastructure presented to a technology startup building digital tools to address the critical needs of journalists and local news organizations for Local Creator Journalism presented to an independent journalist using emerging digital platforms to strengthen civil discourse in their local community awarded to a finalist strengthening relationships with low-trust audiences awarded to a finalist with a bold vision to reinvent media and journalism New this year, every startup selected as a finalist will receive a $3,000 stipend to compensate for their time and cover travel to the Next Challenge National Awards Celebration at the Media Impact Forum , a conference attended by philanthropic leaders shaping the future of local journalism.
2026 Next Challenge Partners "The Next Challenge is the best example we've come across of a complete awards process. The support, time commitment, and even UI of the submission process are all best in class. The sounding board of experts you're connected to also provided us with greater clarity of our go to market strategy.
Apply!" Josh Brandau, CEO & Co-founder, Nota 2024 Grand Prize & NewsTech Award Winner "The value of the Next Challenge goes beyond grant money by amplifying our mission to some of the nation's leading news and media organizations and investors. It fuels our commitment to building a platform that equips creators to not only tell their stories, but also to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
” Michelle Kouri, CEO & Founder, Recordical 2024 Power Platform Award Winner “The Next Challenge was a game-changer for Rolli, providing the momentum we needed to secure funding, expand our platform, and forge key industry collaborations. The opportunities it created, both in investment and strategic partnerships, have been instrumental in our growth and impact on the journalism industry.
” Nick Toso, CEO & Founder, Rolli 2023 Next Challenge finalist Next Challenge Competitions journalism & media startups have applied from states and U.S. territories. mentors & judges have lent their expertise, and has been given in grants & other awards. of all winning startups have been BIPOC and/or female founded.
The Next Challenge is a program of Glen Nelson Center at American Public Media Group, which identifies, elevates and invests in emerging media & journalism ventures led by diverse and visionary founders. To date, Glen Nelson Center has supported the work of 1000+ startups and hundreds of entrepreneurs through investments, competitions, and incubator/accelerator programs.
Glen Nelson Center Newsletters The Next Challenge News and Information CALIFORNIA > 474 South Raymond Ave. MINNESOTA > 480 Cedar Street NEW YORK > 747 Third Avenue © 2026 American Public Media Group™
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Nonprofit and for-profit media startups in the United States Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates $50,000 - $75,000 Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is March 10, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
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Knight Foundation Fund (Tallahassee) is a grant from John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, administered through the Community Foundation of North Florida, that funds projects aligned with creativity, education, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement in Leon County, Florida. Total available funding is approximately $190,000 with individual award amounts varying by project. The foundation evaluates proposals based on alignment with strategic focus areas, a clear theory of change with measurable outcomes, community relevance and impact, organizational capacity, and innovation potential. Knight does not fund political campaigns, lobbying, fundraising events, operating deficits, or medical research. Eligible applicants are local nonprofit organizations serving the Tallahassee area. The current deadline is June 5, 2026.
Knight Art + Tech Expansion Fund is a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation that supports artists and arts organizations in building long-term digital capacity. Awards of up to $100,000 fund hardware and software purchases, technology infrastructure build-outs, staff or contract support for digital roles, website and mobile app development, and digitization and archiving projects. The fund is not tied to specific projects but instead invests in sustainable digital tools and systems. Eligible applicants include individual artists, nonprofit arts organizations, and arts collectives based in Akron, Detroit, or Miami-Dade County. The application deadline is June 20, 2026.