Local Journalism Fund: Community Action Grants Program

From Silicon Valley Community Foundation

Silicon Valley Community Foundation’s Donor Circle for the Arts aims to support emerging artists working with underserved populations and to expand arts opportunities for the diverse cultural communities in the Silicon Valley region. Since 2008, they have granted over $752,500 to emerging arts organizations within this mission.

Type of Support

Overview

SVCF’s Local Journalism Fund: Community Action Grants Program is dedicated to filling the gaps in news and information within underserved communities, emphasizing the coverage of hyper-local issues. This program supports organizations led by Black, Indigenous, or people of color at the intersection of journalism and civic engagement, with a core focus on racial equity and social justice. The goal is to back local nonprofits that produce accurate and inspiring stories to inform, engage, and activate residents, thereby strengthening democracy.

Eligibility

Organization's Location
USA
Program Location
CA (San Mateo County, Santa Clara County)
Organization Type
Local nonprofit journalistic organizations
Organizations with a focus on racial justice
Other
  • Serving San Mateo and/or Santa Clara counties
  • Organizations located outside the mentioned counties must demonstrate significant service to these areas or partner with a local organization
  • Must have a 501(c)(3) designation or a fiscal sponsor with a 501(c)(3) designation
  • Prioritize engagement of communities of color, including Black and Indigenous communities
  • Address emerging community needs with collaborative projects
  • Develop cooperative journalistic projects across local nonprofits
  • Produce community-rooted media to advance civic engagement
  • Utilize advanced storytelling methods to strengthen community resilience
  • May receive multi-year grants if aligning with specified criteria
  • Must not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, citizenship status, creed, religion, religious affiliation, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status
  • Organizations with religious affiliations are eligible if the project benefits the wider community without regard to religious beliefs

Ineligibility

Organizations seeking funds for capital improvements
Those covering budget shortfalls or organizing fundraising events
Entities with previously planned or long-term campaigns
Organizations facing funding gaps due to internal emergencies like office vandalism, resignation of an executive director, or sudden loss of funding.
not specified

Submission

Review Criteria

Preference will be extended to organizations that are predominantly managed by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) leaders, as well as support for ally organizations. Additionally, groups with yearly budgets under $1 million will be prioritized.