Future of Local Journalism Division

supported by:

The Future of Local Journalism Award will be presented to an innovative startup serving a specific local or regional geography, filling a gap in existing local news services.

Division winners will receive a grant of up to $50,000 and are eligible for an additional $25,000 Grand Prize Award.

In this division, our judges will look for startups that:

Serve a specific local or regional geography.

Reimagine traditional local news delivery, with concrete strategies for meaningful community participation.

Have identified multiple sources of revenue and have a sustainable business plan.

Define clear success metrics aligned with their mission, including specific targets for audience reach, engagement, revenue, and community impact.

Provide a replicable model and set of best practices that can be applied in other communities.

* We define a regional geography as a collection of local communities, not a statewide or multi-state news service.

** Citizen/participatory journalism projects are welcome to apply in this category

Eligibility

Ventures that are legally incorporated for-profit and non-profit media startups based in the United States of America and U.S. Territories. A venture is considered U.S.-based if it is legally incorporated in the U.S. and if the majority of employees and/or contractors live in the United States.

Ventures that were founded no more than five years prior to the application deadline (no earlier than March 18, 2020).
Ventures that have earned less than US$1,000,000 (gross revenue including philanthropic support) in the twelve months ending December 31, 2024. This does not include investment dollars.
Ventures that have made progress against their concept (e.g., a working prototype, minimum viable product.)

Previous Next Challenge Division Award winners and companies where American Public Media Group (APMG) has an ownership stake are not eligible to apply. Refer to the official rules for detailed eligibility requirements.

(30%) Division Fit: How well is the startup addressing the needs that the division exists to address?

(20%) Innovation: Is this an innovative idea? Does the startup propose a novel, disruptive or unique business concept?

(20%) Audience Impact: Does the startup have a well-defined target market? Will this venture have a significant positive impact on its intended audience?

(20%) Business Model: Does the plan indicate how the product/service will be distributed, have a realistic revenue and pricing model, and demonstrate potential to grow sustainably? Is there evidence that the business concept works?