The Community Foundation’s Executive Director, Amy Hernon, and Director of Philanthropy, Jessica Rizza, recently had the privilege of attending the Illinois Local News Summit, hosted by Press Forward Chicago and Press Forward Springfield. Press Forward is a national funder collaborative dedicated to strengthening and sustaining local news, ensuring communities have access to reliable, fact-based information.
The Summit brought together a diverse group of funders, local news leaders, advocates, and elected officials to explore the critical role local journalism plays in healthy, informed communities. Discussions focused on the growing challenges facing local news outlets and the increasing need for private philanthropic investment to help sustain and rebuild this sector.
Amy and Jessica were joined by community foundations from across Illinois, along with regional and national funders, all committed to understanding how philanthropy can play a meaningful role in supporting local media ecosystems. The opportunity to collaborate, share insights, and learn from peers reinforced the importance of partnerships in addressing complex community needs.
As funding demands continue to grow across many sectors, the conversation around supporting local, fact-based news was both timely and impactful. Ensuring access to trustworthy information is foundational to strong communities, civic engagement, and local decision-making. The Community Foundation is grateful to be part of these important discussions and to explore how we can support efforts that strengthen the flow of accurate, community-centered news.
Illinois is home to two Press Forward chapters. Click below to learn more.
Press Forward Chicago
Press Forward Springfield
Donors who are interested in learning more about how to support local journalism through philanthropy are encouraged to contact us. We welcome the opportunity to continue the conversation.