Next Challenge for Media and Journalism Offers Major Funding for Startups (US)

This competition focuses on Local News Innovation, Local News Infrastructure, and Local Creator Journalism, aiming to accelerate ideas that help local communities stay informed, connected, and engaged.

The focus areas for the Next Challenge include supporting groundbreaking news organizations representing a new way forward for local journalism, building digital tools to address the critical needs of journalists and local news organizations, and empowering independent journalists using emerging digital platforms to strengthen civil discourse in their local communities. Additional priorities include recognizing finalists who strengthen relationships with low-trust audiences and those with a bold vision to reinvent media and journalism.

Startups can compete in three divisions: the Catalyst Award for Local News Innovation offers up to $50,000 to organizations redefining local journalism; the Cornerstone Award for Local News Infrastructure provides up to $50,000 to technology startups creating tools for journalists; and the Pioneer Award for Local Creator Journalism grants up to $50,000 to independent journalists using digital platforms to enhance local civic engagement. One Grand Prize winner will receive an additional $25,000, and outstanding Division Finalists are eligible for Vision and Trust Awards of up to $12,500 each. All finalists will also receive a $3,000 stipend to cover time and travel for the Next Challenge National Awards Celebration at the Media Impact Forum.

Eligibility for the competition requires entrants to be U.S.-based, either incorporated or unincorporated entities, with the majority of employees or contractors living in the United States. Startups in the Local News Innovation and Infrastructure divisions must be legally incorporated, actively publishing, generate less than $1 million in gross revenue, and have been incorporated for no more than ten years. Independent creators in the Local Creator Journalism division must exercise editorial control over their work, generate less than $1 million in revenue from publishing, and be actively producing content. Previous Next Challenge cash award winners and entities with current APMG ownership are ineligible.

The Next Challenge is managed by the American Public Media Group (APMG) and is designed to incentivize media innovation, expand startup activity, and support a diverse group of visionary media founders. Entrants may only apply to one division per competition cycle, and compliance with eligibility rules must be maintained throughout the process to ensure receipt of prizes. Awards may not be used for lobbying, candidate campaigns, or voter registration activities.

For more information, visit APMG.