Foundation for Local News Receives $130,000

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Funding secured through budget resolution 851 will expand journalism education opportunities, support local news, and strengthen civic engagement.  

The Foundation for Local News today announced that it has been awarded $130,000 through Budget Resolution 851, included in New Jersey's Fiscal Year 2027 State Budget. The investment will support the Foundation's work to strengthen local journalism and develop the next generation of journalists through its statewide Classroom to Newsroom Pipeline initiative.

The Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to Assemblyman Vincent Kearney, the primary sponsor of Budget Resolution 851, for his leadership and steadfast commitment to strengthening local journalism and investing in New Jersey's communities. His advocacy was instrumental in securing this funding and recognizing the critical role that local news plays in supporting informed, engaged communities.

“A community without local news is a community in the dark. This $130,000 investment in the Foundation for Local News is an investment in an informed, engaged New Jersey — and I’m proud to have fought for it in this budget. I also want to thank Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Senate President Nick Scutari, and Governor Mikie Sherrill for their commitment to ensuring local journalism remains a priority in our state.” says Assemblyman Kearney

"This investment represents a significant milestone for the Foundation for Local News and for the future of local journalism in New Jersey," said Katy Temple, Executive Director of the Foundation for Local News. "We are incredibly grateful to Assemblyman Kearney, Governor Mikie Sherrill, Senate President Nick Scutari, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, and the members of the New Jersey Legislature for recognizing that local journalism is essential democratic infrastructure."

Through the Classroom to Newsroom Pipeline, the Foundation will partner with high schools, educators, and professional news organizations to provide journalism education, newsroom mentorship, reporting opportunities, and resources that help students develop real-world reporting skills while serving their communities. The initiative also seeks to strengthen New Jersey's local news ecosystem by creating pathways into journalism careers and supporting community-centered reporting.

Board member Marie DeNoia Aronsohn says, "Opening students' minds to the value and practice of local journalism is a powerful step toward rebuilding the local news ecosystem — and helping tomorrow's journalists see this as the worthy, important career it is. We're deeply grateful for this funding, which allows us to begin this exciting work"  

The Foundation for Local News is a New Jersey nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening democracy by advancing local journalism as essential civic infrastructure. Through journalism education, community partnerships, and support for local news organizations, the Foundation works to expand equitable access to trustworthy information, promote civic engagement, and prepare the next generation of journalists.

Katy Temple
Executive Director
Foundation for Local News
ktemple@foundationforlocalnews.org
foundationforlocalnews.org