Frequently Asked Questions

This annual gathering began 20 years ago when a handful of journalism funders got together to compare notes about the most pressing issues facing journalism and how funders could address them. For the past 10 years, MIF has been hosting this gathering, which continues to provide an important opportunity to strengthen connections among journalism funders and to provide opportunities for funders to discuss their work and share ideas with one another.

We know that funders rely in part on the expertise of other funders. This meeting will help you make connections to peers who are eager to share best practices and lessons learned. By taking a broad view across the field of media funding to include many different types of platforms, issues and philanthropic goals, we are uniquely able to bring funders together around specific topics, connect funders and media makers who might not otherwise cross paths, and in the process, expand the field of journalism funding.

This year’s agenda will feature discussions on new initiatives in the field, innovative funding models, efforts to build and sustain media equity, and more. See the agenda here.

Thank you to our planning committee for helping to shape this program:

• Taryn Fort, Senior Director of Communications and External Influence, Colorado Health Foundation
• Duc Luu, Director of Sustainability Initiatives/Journalism, Knight Foundation
• Mauricio Palma, Director, Community-Building, Silicon Valley Community Foundation
• Christine Schmidt, Program Associate, Democracy Fund
• Rich Stone, Senior Science Editor, HHMI Tangled Bank Studios
• Norris West, Director of Strategic Communications, Annie E. Casey Foundation
• Lauren Woods, Program Manager, Chicago Community Trust

Members (in person): $250

Non-members (in person): $300

Members (virtual): $125

Non-members (virtual): $150

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster is required to attend this event. Masks may be required depending on the prevalence of COVID-19 at the time of the event.

The National Constitution Center is a fully accessible building.

MIF’s Journalism Funders Network is a strong and active network of MIF and comprises a diverse constellation of philanthropic organizations. Through convenings, original research reports and field-building activities, we aim to strengthen connections among journalism funders and offer them opportunities to discuss their work among peers. Learn more.

Generous sponsorship comes from the Lumina Foundation, the Colorado Health Foundation, the Heising-Simons Foundation, the College Futures Foundation, and the Lenfest Institute for Journalism.

Additional support comes from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Rita Allen Foundation.

If you are interested in providing sponsorship, email Courtney Eshleman, MIF’s director of development & member engagement, at courtney@mediafunders.org.

We don’t have a room block set up, but there are plenty of options near the National Constitution Center.

Many people have already booked their stay at the Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District.

Or airBnB is a great option too, check out these available spots.