Community News Fund Launched to Support Local Journalism

The Mississippi Press Foundation (MPF) has announced the creation of the Mississippi Community News Fund (CNF), a new initiative designed to strengthen local journalism by helping newspapers and digital news outlets raise community support for their editorial mission.

Created in 2025, the Community News Fund provides a streamlined way for local news organizations to solicit and receive tax-deductible donations from readers, businesses and community stakeholders. The program is intended to ensure Mississippi news outlets can continue delivering consistent, fact-based reporting on public affairs and issues that matter most to their communities.

"The role of local journalism has never been more important," said MPF Chairman Jack Ryan, publisher of the Enterprise-Journal in McComb. "The Community News Fund gives communities a direct way to invest in credible, local reporting and helps publishers sustain and expand coverage where it is needed most."

Through the CNF, participating newspapers and digital news organizations will receive customized campaign portals established by MPF, making it easy to accept donations. All contributions are tax-deductible and will be managed and distributed by the Foundation to the designated publication.

To ensure transparency and accountability, participating outlets are required to submit quarterly reports detailing how funds are used to support news coverage and editorial operations.