BIWABIK — Iron Range Today has received a $40,000 grant from Press Forward Minnesota, one of 13 News organizations awarded $520,000 in total.
The grants support smaller news organizations that provide hyperlocal, original reporting to communities across the state, with a focus on meeting the needs of communities of color, linguistically diverse communities, low-wealth rural communities, and others not adequately served, reached, or represented.
Iron Range Today will use the funds to help fill regional news gaps in northeastern Minnesota through the creation of a part-time position, development of a freelance network, training and purchasing essential equipment for a digital newsroom.
“We are incredibly excited and honored to be selected as a recipient of this grant from Press Forward Minnesota,” said Jerry Burnes, a co-founder of Iron Range Today. “This funding will help us build the groundwork for the newsroom and reach our reporting goals for the year.”
Press Forward Minnesota is a collaborative initiative dedicated to supporting local news and information across the state.
“We are incredibly excited to support these outstanding organizations that are vital to the health and well-being of their communities,” said May Yang, senior manager of policy and partnerships at the Minnesota Council on Foundations, who serves as the staff lead for Press Forward Minnesota. “These grants will help them expand their reach, innovate their reporting, and better serve their audiences.”
The other grantees include: Access Press, Ltd., BLCK Press, Eden Prairie Local News, Hmong Broadcasting Company LLC, Lakeland News, Minnesota Women’s Press, Mashable Communications, Inc., Pillsbury United Communities (North News), Project Optimist (in partnership with St. Cloud Somali Community Radio), Root River Current, Inc., Steele County Times and ThreeSixty Journalism at the University of St. Thomas.
Press Forward Minnesota is committed to fostering a robust and vibrant local news ecosystem across the state. This grant program represents one of the many ways the initiative supports local journalism and ensures that all Minnesotans can access the information they need to be informed and engaged citizens.
Press Forward Minnesota has received funding commitments from The McKnight Foundation, Bush Foundation, the Glen Nelson Center at American Public Media Group, the MacArthur Foundation, and the Taylor Family Farms Foundation.
“These organizations are providing a vital service, helping to inform and connect diverse communities that have been affected by the local news crisis,” said Tim Murphy, program officer at the McKnight Foundation. “At the same time, we know local journalism needs more support from more funders, businesses, and readers alike, to match the scale of the challenge. We look forward to building on this important first step to strengthen a local news ecosystem that serves all Minnesotans.”
Read the full release below.
Interested in donating, sponsoring or supporting Iron Range Today? Contact Jerry Burnes at jburnes@ironrangetoday.com.
