Consortium awards $630,000 to sustain local news organizations across New Jersey (See who got what)
July 16, 2026
The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium has announced the award of $630,000 in renewal grants to 13 organizations strengthening local news and civic information across New Jersey.
Originally scheduled for approval in June, the Board of Directors according to a statement from the Consortium, postponed its grant vote until the State finalized the it’s Fiscal Year 2027 appropriation. Following the Legislature’s approval of a $1 million appropriation, the Board approved a strategic round of six-month renewal grants designed to provide continued support for existing grantees while preserving flexibility as funding conditions continue to evolve.
Since launching grantmaking in 2021, the Consortium has invested more than $13.5 million in local news and information projects serving communities across New Jersey.
“Even in a challenging funding environment, our commitment to strengthening New Jersey’s local news ecosystem remains steadfast. These investments will help trusted local news organizations continue serving their communities while positioning the Consortium to remain responsive as we navigate an evolving funding landscape.”
— Lisa Sahulka, Executive Director of the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium
Unlike previous funding rounds, the Board approved only renewal grants and adjusted award periods from 12 months to six months. This approach allows the Consortium to continue supporting existing projects while maintaining flexibility to respond to future funding opportunities.
Renewal grants
Atlantic City Focus ($40,000) – To support community-centered reporting, civic engagement resources, multimedia journalism, and distribution of the Atlantic City Focus Civic Engagement Guide, expanding access to trusted local information throughout Atlantic County.
Central Desi ($50,000) – To support independent journalism serving New Jersey’s South Asian communities through culturally informed reporting, multimedia storytelling, journalist fellowships, and community engagement initiatives.
Chalkbeat Newark ($50,000) – To support education reporting focused on Newark schools and statewide education policy, providing families, educators, students, and policymakers with in-depth accountability journalism.
Corporation for New Jersey Local Media ($35,000) – To support continued digital sustainability efforts, building on significant growth in digital advertising revenue across the organization’s local news publications.
The Jersey Bee ($60,000) – To support collaborative, community-centered journalism serving BIPOC and working-class communities through multilingual reporting, service journalism, newsletters, and civic information resources across Essex County.
Front Runner New Jersey ($40,000) – To support expanded reporting focused on Black, Latino, and historically marginalized communities throughout South Jersey while strengthening bilingual journalism and community engagement.
Follow South Jersey (Hopeloft) ($50,000) – To support youth journalism training, multimedia storytelling, workforce development programs, and community-centered reporting across South Jersey.
Industry Media Arts ($40,000) – To support hands-on journalism and media production training for students through educational partnerships, workforce development initiatives, and professional mentorship.
South Jersey Climate News at Rowan University ($25,000) – To support student-led environmental journalism covering climate change and resilience issues affecting South Jersey communities while expanding audience engagement.
Slice of Culture at Saint Peter’s University ($60,000) – To support multimedia journalism centered on Hudson County’s diverse communities while expanding reporting, internships, and organizational sustainability.
NJ Spotlight News ($60,000) – To provide general operating support for NJ Spotlight News’ digital team, strengthening its capacity to produce and distribute high-quality public service journalism.
Trenton Journal ($60,000) – To support expanded local reporting, multimedia storytelling, newsletters, and civic information serving residents throughout New Jersey’s capital city.
Morristown Green ($60,000) – To support continued hyperlocal reporting, editorial capacity, community engagement, and accountability journalism serving Greater Morristown.
