The Local Journalism Foundation
The Local Journalism Foundation was created to reverse civic decline through storytelling and citizen engagement. Our theory of change is that democracies work best with
- diverse and representative,
- abundant,
- high-quality,
- trusted,
- useful, and
- free-flowing information.
The Local Journalism Foundation will deliver this and realize its vision as a Civic Media Venture. One of The Local Journalism Foundation's core programs is NowKalamazoo, an independent, local, news service covering Kalamazoo County.
"I am a strong believer in sharing free information. I love that Now Kalamazoo is free to everyone, and that there are no barriers to access it. I think that there is a joy found in giving away these things that cannot be obtained elsewhere. I also appreciate the positivity in Now Kalamazoo. Not everything is sunshine and rainbows … so the little glimmers of those doing amazing and good things in our community are valuable. You bringing attention to them is icing on the cake. Thank you for creating this. It brings me joy." - Valerie B.
Programs
NowKalamazoo
Original reporting: NowKalamazoo publishes stories by, about and for the community, from watchdog investigations to neighborhood celebrations.
Daily email newsletter: NowKalamazoo’s newsletter publishes original reporting, a local news round-up, and a sampling of local events each weekday morning.
Things to do calendar: NowKalamazoo consolidates activity and events calendars from across the county into a one-stop shop of “What’s going on?”
Different by design: From its emphasis on solutions journalism, to its refusal to chase the “breaking news” cycle, NowKalamazoo is redefining news.
Diversifying Media
Grant-making: The Local Journalism Foundation seeks to financially support independent journalists and media organizations in Kalamazoo County.
Support services: The Foundation will support creators and fledgling media ventures with fiscal sponsorship, consulting and technology infrastructure.
Partnerships: The Local Journalism Foundation is a connecting and organizing body, through which collaborations and joint ventures can be managed and directed.
Training: The pipeline of journalists is drying up. The Foundation seeks to attract and train area residents in the practice of journalism.
Civic Engagement
Public Education: The Foundation is developing resources to help citizens navigate society, from how to file your own Freedom of Information Act request to how to run for office.
Events & forums: Organized gatherings for citizens to discuss big ideas, election candidates and more.
Civic scribes: The Foundation plans to put an observer in every public meeting in order to document proceedings and give citizens insight into decision-making.
Civic docents: A concierge service designed to promote in-person citizen participation at public meetings with facilitation by trained Foundation guides.