The Press Forward MN Closing Coverage Gaps Grant offers funding to support small, local news organizations in Minnesota that are dedicated to original reporting within underserved communities. This initiative addresses disparities in media representation and access, particularly for communities that have been historically underrepresented in the media, such as communities of color, linguistically diverse communities, and low-income rural areas. Through this grant, Press Forward MN seeks to enhance civic engagement and reduce polarization by promoting local journalism that meets the informational needs of these communities.

The grant provides at least 12 Minnesota-based newsrooms with $40,000 each to support a one-year project. An extension may be granted if more time is required to complete the project. Eligible applicants include newsrooms with operating budgets under $1 million for 2024, that have been publishing original content since at least September 1, 2023. Applicants must also demonstrate editorial independence, transparency, and a commitment to free public access, with content funded by the grant being available without a paywall.

Eligible organizations can include both 501(c)(3) nonprofits and for-profit newsrooms, as well as university or college student-run newsrooms with a focus on community-facing reporting. For-profit entities can apply directly or with a fiscal sponsor, though a fiscal sponsor is not required. Ineligible applicants include outlets primarily focused on non-local news, organizations with budgets exceeding $1 million, start-ups not established by September 1, 2023, and organizations based outside Minnesota.

Applications for the Press Forward MN grant are accepted from October 21 through November 21, 2024, with decisions announced in January 2025. For further questions, applicants can contact Press Forward MN at pressforwardmn@mcf.org.