American Journalism Project invests $3.25 million in three nonprofit local news organizations

WASHINGTON — The American Journalism Project announced $3.25 million in investments in three nonprofit local news organizations: The Maine Monitor, NC Local and The Richmonder. The investments will support each organization’s next phase of growth, helping them strengthen their business capacity and build the organizational foundation needed to expand their journalism over the long term.

These investments build on the American Journalism Project’s recent investment in Texas Public Radio and the San Antonio Report, announced last week as part of a broader effort to invest in the future of public media.

The American Journalism Project pairs catalytic capital with hands-on venture support, including strategic guidance and organizational capacity-building resources. These investments will help each organization strengthen its business operations, diversify revenue, deepen audience relationships, and build the leadership and operational capacity needed to grow its impact.

“Great local journalism deserves equally strong organizations behind it. The organizations we’re investing in today have already demonstrated exceptional journalism, strong leadership, and deep connections to their communities,” said Sarabeth Berman, CEO of the American Journalism Project. “Our role is to build on that momentum by strengthening the leadership, revenue, operations and audience capacity that allows great local news organizations to grow their impact so more people can rely on trusted local news for years to come.”

More details on each organization and their plans for growth are below:

• The Maine Monitor ($1 million): Founded in 2009, The Maine Monitor has become a trusted source of statewide accountability reporting; last year, it expanded its offerings to provide local civic journalism in some of Maine’s most underserved rural communities through its Monitor Local initiative. As The Monitor extends its local civic reporting to more communities lacking local news, deepens the statewide issues it covers and enhances its engagement with people across Maine, it will ensure all Mainers have the information they need to participate in civic life. AJP’s investment will support the growth of its business and operations team, including membership, major gifts, events and operations, building the organizational capacity needed to expand local reporting, strengthen community engagement and sustain long-term growth.
• NC Local ($1.25 million): Launched in 2025, NC Local has quickly established an innovative reporting model that helps residents understand how state issues and decisions made in Raleigh affect their daily lives. Its regional and statewide reporting, newsletters, community-driven initiatives and publishing partnerships across the state are positioning the organization for continued growth. AJP’s investment will support the growth of its fundraising and operations team, including membership, major gifts, institutional fundraising and development operations, building the organizational capacity needed to expand reporting and strengthen its reach across the state.
• The Richmonder ($1 million): Since launching in 2024, The Richmonder has produced strong community and accountability journalism that has earned it a highly engaged audience, community support and significant local revenue. The organization has paired award-winning journalism with rapid audience and revenue growth, positioning it to expand its coverage across the region and reach new audiences within the Richmond area, a region with about 1.3 million residents. AJP’s investment will support the growth of its business and audience team, including fundraising, community engagement, events and executive leadership, creating the organizational capacity needed for continued regional growth and long-term sustainability.

With the addition of The Maine Monitor, NC Local and The Richmonder, the American Journalism Project has invested in 58 nonprofit local news organizations. Its portfolio serves 105 communities across 38 states and Puerto Rico. The first 28 organizations to receive investments from AJP grew their revenue by $53 million annually after the close of their grants.

About the American Journalism Project:

The American Journalism Project is the first venture philanthropy organization dedicated to local news. We make catalytic investments in nonprofit news organizations and partner with communities to launch new outlets. Since 2019, we’ve invested in dozens of local news outlets, providing them with capital, strategic guidance and operational expertise to grow their reach and impact. By strengthening and scaling a sustainable field of local news organizations, we are working to ensure that people have access to the trusted, independent local journalism they need to participate in civic life.