CALIFORNIA CIVIC MEDIA FUND
Supporting Local California Newsrooms
The California Civic Media Program, managed by the Governor’s office (GO-Biz), is an innovative $20 million public-private partnership facilitated by Journalism Funding Partners and James B. McClatchy Foundation, pairing $10 million in state funding with $10 million from Google, designed to inject stable, sustainable funding into California's local news ecosystem.
About the California Civic Media Program
The California Civic Media Program is a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership, combining $10 million in state funding through GO-Biz with $10 million from Google. This model brings together government and the tech sector to address the local news crisis at scale. This effort will be managed by both Journalism Funding Partners and James B. McClatchy Foundation with the purpose to simplify the often complex grantmaking process, giving newsrooms the tools and support they need to access philanthropic funding. By easing the administrative burden, the program allows journalists to devote more time and energy to their core mission — producing reporting that informs, engages and empowers their communities.
This program is made possible through a collaboration with Google and GO-Biz. Google provides funding to Journalism Funding Partners (JFP), which is then distributed to eligible news organizations under the guidance of GO-Biz and its advisory board.
Its role is to ensure these funds are allocated effectively and transparently to support quality journalism in California.
Its responsibilities include developing and implementing a process for news organizations to apply for funding. It also handles the review of applications, the selection of grant recipients and the determination of funding award amounts. These decisions are made in collaboration with GO-Biz and its board.
Journalism Funding Partners is committed to administering the California Civic Media Program in accordance with best practices. This includes adhering to principles of sound accounting and financial management, independence and conflict of interest protocols, nondiscrimination and transparency. It strives to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and that the funds are used solely for their intended purpose: to support and enhance local news in California.
This program also provides regular reports to Google on the status of the fund, including detailed accounting of fund activity, balances and distributions to selected applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to questions about program eligibility, requirements, and award details.
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The program invests directly in news organizations to close information gaps and strengthen California’s press corps, with an emphasis on local, ethnic, and community newsrooms and those serving underserved communities. The goal is to give every Californian access to accurate, well-sourced local information and to support fuller participation in civic life.
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Your organization must be California-based and legally registered to conduct business in the state; have at least three years of operation; produce original, fact-based content on state or local matters of public interest; maintain a publicly posted ethics and correction policy; and have publicly disclosed its ownership on its website or print publication.
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An independent Review Committee from across California, spanning journalism practice, philanthropy, research, information equity, community representation, sustainability, and digital media. Neither GO-Biz nor the Advisory Board participates in review.
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Visit this link to learn more about the application process.
Don’t see your question?
Visit the FAQ on the California Civic Media Program website for more answers
Is Your Newsroom Eligible?
We’d love to hear from you. Fill out the contact form with your information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.