Fiscal Sponsorship for New Jersey Media Companies

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The Foundation for Local News serves as a fiscal sponsor for New Jersey–based media organizations that want to pursue grant funding but may not have nonprofit status.

Through fiscal sponsorship, we provide the infrastructure and accountability funders require, so independent media companies can focus on what they do best — serving their communities with quality journalism.

Access to philanthropic funding is often limited to nonprofit entities. Many local news organizations — especially startups and small publishers — miss out on these critical resources.

Our fiscal sponsorship program helps close that gap by:

• Allowing for-profit or unincorporated media outlets to apply for grants under our 501(c)(3) status
• Ensuring funders have confidence in financial oversight, reporting, and compliance
• Reducing administrative barriers so journalists can focus on reporting, not paperwork
• Expanding the pool of sustainable funding for local journalism in New Jersey

When you partner with the Foundation as your fiscal sponsor, you’ll benefit from:

• Grant administration — we handle compliance, reporting, and fund distribution
• Financial transparency — maintaining donor and funder trust
• Credibility with funders — leverage our established nonprofit status and mission-driven approach
• Strategic support — guidance on aligning proposals with funder priorities in journalism and civic engagement

Our fiscal sponsorship program is open to:

• Local news startups and digital publishers
• Independent community media companies
• Collaborative journalism projects
• Media outlets serving underrepresented communities

We are committed to ensuring that New Jersey media companies can access the funding they need to thrive. 

By serving as a fiscal sponsor, the Foundation for Local News helps strengthen the state’s local news ecosystem and, in turn, strengthens democracy.

We provide fiscal sponsorship at or below 2% of the grant amount, ensuring that the maximum resources stay with your newsroom.

Fiscal Sponsorship Fee Schedule:

• Grants under $25,000 → $250
• $25,000–$50,000 → $500
• $50,000–$100,000 → $1,000
• $100,000–$250,000 → $2,000
• $250,000–$500,000 → $5,000
• $500,000–$1M → $10,000
• $1M+ → $20,000