The Lenfest Institute for Journalism is pleased to announce the 2025 Beyond Print Grant Program.
Donor Name: The Lenfest Institute for Journalism
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 11/17/2025
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year
Details:
The Beyond Print program supports independent local newspapers in developing and testing strategies that:
- Accelerate the shift from print to digital while preserving or enhancing access to local journalism.
- Build sustainable revenue models, including subscriptions, advertising, membership, philanthropy, or other sources.
- Redesign digital products to match customer needs, including young consumers.
- Explore successful models for publishing on newer content distribution platforms.
- Generate actionable lessons that can be replicated by peers.
Focus Areas
Eligible grants will focus on subjects covered in the Beyond Print Toolkit, including:
- Communications Developing clear communication plans for staff, advertisers, and the public to manage a smooth digital transition.
- Customer Service Enhancing customer support, including training representatives and developing tools to help readers transition to digital products.
- Digital Products The creation and enhancement of digital offerings, such as newsletters, podcasts, or platform-native content that is attractive to young consumers (e.g. Meta Reels, TikTok videos, podcasts).
- Digital Revenue Transitions Generating new income from digital audiences, including developing digital subscriptions, advertising models, and sponsored content.
- Events and Other Revenue Streams Leveraging community engagement and events to diversify revenue beyond traditional advertising.
- Manufacturing and Finance Addressing the financial and logistical aspects of print operations, including analyzing costs and identifying savings.
- Newsroom Processes Streamlining workflows and implementing new systems to operate more efficiently in a digital-first environment.
- Print Products Redefining the role of print, such as reimagining print editions or adjusting print frequency to provide unique value (e.g. developing a unique weekend edition delivered by USPS).
- Print Revenue Transitions Shifting revenue and advertiser relationships from print-specific models to a new, sustainable digital-first approach.
- Technology Systems Modernizing technical infrastructure, including migrating content management systems and integrating new tools.
They’re also interested in novel ideas and experiments that focus on emerging areas of interest for an updated toolkit:
- Creator Partnerships Collaborations with independent journalists or content creators to broaden audience reach and explore new revenue sources.
- Recruiting and Retaining Young Audiences Strategies to attract and engage with younger audiences on new platforms.
Funding Information
- Up to $50,000 per organization, from a total pool of $400,000.
- Project duration: 3–6 months, based on applicant’s proposal.
Eligibility Criteria
- Who can apply
- Independently-owned, local newspapers based in the U.S. that currently distribute a print product and are committed to digital transformation
- Leadership commitment
- Applications must demonstrate explicit support from the organization’s top leadership.
- Project requirements
- Must address at least one specified focus area with the goal of reducing print reliance and strengthening digital sustainability.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be reviewed on:
- Alignment with Beyond Print goals and focus areas
- A clear hypothesis, project plan, and success metrics
- Feasibility (budget, staffing, leadership buy-in, timeline)
- Audience-centered impact
- Replicability for peer organizations
For more information, visit The Lenfest Institute for Journalism.
