$2M in awards strengthens local news

By Britt Carman                                                 

As America commemorates its 250th anniversary and celebrates our nation’s history, Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT), the largest community foundation in Texas, is uplifting and investing in civic engagement initiatives that expand access to information, strengthen community connections and community leadership, and help residents engage with one another in the issues shaping North Texas.

“Our local communities continue to shape our future. America’s 250th milestone is an opportunity to reflect and celebrate how communities have always relied on local institutions, including local journalism, to stay informed and engaged,” said Wayne White, president and CEO at Communities Foundation of Texas. 

CFT has recently awarded $2 million to strengthen civic engagement across the region through grants to nonprofit organizations, community initiatives, and local media organizations. The $2 million in investments support a broad range of activities, including local news and information sharing, civic education, leadership development, advocacy, volunteerism, community planning and public engagement.

Together, these grants reflect CFT’s commitment to helping North Texans access information, participate in civic life, and work collaboratively to address community challenges and opportunities.

Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) has awarded $1.15 million in grants to 11 local news and information organizations working to expand access to community-centered information across North Texas. 

CFT’s 2026 Local News and Information grant recipients include: Advocate Media, Child Poverty Action Lab (CPAL), The Dallas Examiner, Dallas Free Press, The Dallas Morning News, Dallas Voice, Fort Worth Report, KERA, Press Forward North Texas, The Stewpot and The Texas Tribune. 

CFT’s Local News and Information grant funding supports efforts that help residents better understand the issues, decisions, resources and events shaping daily life in their communities. 

Local news organizations continue to navigate changing business models, reduced advertising revenue, fragmented information channels and growing demand for community-centered reporting. CFT’s investment is designed to help strengthen the local information ecosystem so residents can have greater access to reporting, better understand local systems, and engage more fully in their communities.

“Together, these grants reflect a range of approaches to strengthen local information across North Texas, from hyperlocal neighborhood reporting and public media coverage to community-led storytelling, audience engagement and newsroom sustainability,” said Alexander Haj, program officer at Communities Foundation of Texas. “Strong communities depend on residents having access to relevant, community-centered information that helps them understand local issues, connect with one another and participate in shaping their future. These grants support organizations that are working to reach residents more directly, expand access to local information, and strengthen connections between news organizations and the communities they serve. By investing in local news providers, we are investing in a stronger, more connected North Texas.”

CFT’s latest local news investments were further complemented by support from CFT fundholders, reflecting broader philanthropic interest in strengthening North Texas’ local information ecosystem. Several CFT fundholders recommended an additional $40,000 in total grants to support local news organizations and related initiatives.