RFP: Press Forward Chicago – Capacity Building Grant 2025

RFP Release: March 31, 2025 
Information Sessions: April 10 @ 3 p.m. and April 17 @ 2 p.m. (via Teams)
Full Application Deadline: May 8, 2025
Site Visits: As Needed (May/June)
Funding Decisions: July 2025
Announcement: August – September 2025
General Inquiries: Tracy Baim, tbaim@cct.org
To learn how to apply using the Trust’s GrantCentral system, click here.

Background

Press Forward Chicago is a grantmaking initiative administered by The Chicago Community Trust and designed in partnership with the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and local journalism donors and practitioners. By making philanthropic investments in diverse local news outlets in the Chicago region, Press Forward aims to catalyze innovative solutions to the challenges facing local news, amplify impactful journalism practices, and grow financial investments into the media ecosystem to ensure residents have access to relevant, credible and trusted information. 

Recognizing the critical role journalism plays in the civic health of our city, Press Forward Chicago was created to support efforts that enrich the quality, reach and diversity of news reporting in the Chicago region. This Request for Proposals will focus on capacity building. 

Need/Opportunity Statement 

Chicago has a robust news ecosystem that includes hyperlocal and regional news outlets that meet the information needs of Chicago’s communities. However, many of these outlets have expressed the need for support in navigating the complexities of the media landscape, including adapting to digital transformations, diversifying revenue streams, and building sustainable business models. 

Goals & Outcomes 

Through its investments, Press Forward Chicago seeks to: 

• Scale proven strategies and innovations that address the challenges of today’s media environment; and 
• Revitalize the local news infrastructure, ensuring robust reporting on critical issues facing Chicago’s communities. 

Priority Strategies & Activities 

The goals of this funding opportunity are to: 

• Support hyperlocal or local media organizations seeking to increase their current reach through audience expansion and the adoption of new business strategies and approaches; and  
• Experiment with practices to build sustainable revenue models. 

Grant Type

For capacity building. Grants will be for one or both of the following:

• Audience Growth and Engagement: Efforts to increase audience numbers across various platforms, including newsletters. Additionally, growth of audience engagement across platforms. 
• Sustainability: Organizations developing new, scalable business models for their own stability and financial sustainability in local news.  

Grant Amounts Available & Grant Term 

This is a one-year, one-time funding opportunity, ranging between $25,000-$75,000 per media company or nonprofit. 

How to Apply

The Trust awards grants to organizations whose work is consistent with our mission and our current priorities. Learn about the application process and eligibility.

How to Apply

What We Fund

Our grants are not just checks, not just points on a map. Our grants are lifelines, connecting individual donors with people and families striving for a better life.

What We Fund