The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County is proud to announce that we have joined Press Forward, a national movement bringing new energy and investment to local news and journalism.
Indiana is now home to three Press Forward Local chapters — in Bloomington and Monroe County, Lake County, and a statewide initiative. These chapters are part of a growing network of 40+ Press Forward Locals nationwide, each working to strengthen community information by pooling resources, aligning strategies, and supporting sustainable local journalism.
At the heart of our work at the Community Foundation is a vision for a vibrant community where every individual can thrive — and access to trusted local information is essential to that vision. Local news is how neighbors stay connected, understand what’s happening, and engage when it matters.
Since 2023, the Community Foundation has been exploring how we might address local news challenges as a convener, funder, and partner, including:
- Conducting research into the local news landscape
- Launching a community survey on news and information needs
- Convening journalists, advocates, and community leaders to explore innovative ways to build resilience in our local news ecosystem
- Awarding an Impact Grant to two organizations to collaborate and combine news coverage on community issues
- Launching a fund to support local news reporting
This work reflects our belief that trusted information is a vital ingredient for a vibrant community where every individual can thrive. By participating in Press Forward, Bloomington and Monroe County will benefit from collaborative strategies, partnerships, and resources that ensure strong, sustainable local journalism for the future.
Our Press Forward Bloomington and Monroe County chapter will officially launch in the coming months, with further details to follow. We are grateful to be part of this national initiative and excited to continue exploring how we can strengthen the role of local journalism in building a thriving community. Stay tuned for more updates!