WHY WE INVESTED
The American Journalism Project recognizes that the sustainability and success of local news is vital to supporting and strengthening our democracy. They also believe that access to local news is a public good and should be available to all, whether individuals can pay for it or not. However, the economics of local news has created tremendous challenges for local media’s ability to fulfill its core democratic functions. In an innovative response to these challenges, AJP will build a venture philanthropy effort that will provide transformative support to nonprofit news organizations through education, mentorship, and investment.
AJP was co-founded by pioneering local news entrepreneurs Elizabeth Green (Chalkbeat) and John Thornton (Texas Tribune) to capitalize on the lessons they have learned and convictions they have developed over the past decade building exemplar organizations in the field of nonprofit news.
Democracy Fund is proud to support this effort to safeguard our democracy with strong and sustainable local news at a time when local news is more important than ever. Please visit www.theajp.org to learn more.