January 15, 2025
Independent newsrooms reporting on the California wildfires may apply for fast-track grants from the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN), with support from Google News Initiative (GNI). In a pilot program designed to keep critical information flowing during an emergency, GNI is providing grants of up to $10,000 per newsroom covering the disaster from the ground. To be eligible, newsrooms must be based in Los Angeles or Ventura Counties (the counties where Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency) and be nonprofit organizations or independent publishers with budgets under $5 million.
“Over the past few years, members of the INN Network and other small newsrooms have increasingly served their communities during natural disasters—from flooding in Vermont to fires in Maui,” said Karen Rundlet, INN’s Executive Director and CEO. “We believe that providing accurate news and practical information to communities directly affected by weather and nature-related crises is an essential service that demands philanthropic support.”
This initiative from INN and GNI is designed to support smaller news organizations. Five newsrooms in the INN Network qualify and have already been invited to apply for funding. Other newsrooms that meet the eligibility criteria may complete a short application; if approved, INN will disburse grants in as little as 72 hours.
“When wildfires strike, journalists are on the front lines alongside first responders, providing critical information to help people stay safe and informed,” said Casey Pallenik, US Local News Partnerships Lead, Google News Initiative. “Local news is an essential resource for communities, and in times of crisis, it’s more important than ever. Google is committed to supporting these news organizations, many of which have been directly impacted by the wildfires, so they can continue to provide vital information to their communities.”
GNI and INN are continuing conversations about how best to direct support to news outlets covering areas affected by floods, fires, storms and related events.
The Institute for Nonprofit News supports a membership network of more than 475 independent newsrooms across North America. INN members distribute content to more than 20,000 other media outlets and frequently collaborate directly with other newsrooms to report stories and serve the public interest.
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