On January 23, journalists, philanthropic leaders, and nonprofit partners from across California gathered for the California Journalism Philanthropy Summit to explore how philanthropy can support local, community-centered journalism. Conversations focused on the role of journalism in informing communities, shaping public narratives, and strengthening civic life.
Coverage from Black Voice News emphasized the importance of investing in local and ethnic media and highlighted discussions about sustainability, technology, and trust between news outlets and the communities they serve. A companion article from BenitoLink reinforced the value of place-based journalism and the opportunity for collaboration among journalists, funders, and community partners.
According to Black Voice News, the Summit also included participation from Maria Ressa, Nobel Peace Prize–winning journalist and co-founder of Rappler. Ressa’s remarks centered on the importance of a free and independent press and the role journalism plays in supporting democratic participation, particularly at the local level. She also lifted up her 10-Point Action Plan to support journalism and address harms in today’s information ecosystem.
“Community-centered models are leading. Funders are lifting up place-based, community-rooted newsrooms as essential infrastructure for trust and information access, and are moving toward shared strategies and more coordinated investments. Seed funding, underwriting partnerships, and pooled funds were highlighted as practical ways to stabilize and grow local outlets and sustain local news ecosystems across the state.”
— Paulette Brown-Hinds, quoted in Will Fischer’s “Q&A: Paulette Brown-Hinds on How Collaborative Philanthropy Can Power Local Journalism in California,” Center for Cooperative Media (Feb. 2026)
For the Inland Empire Vital Conditions Network, the Summit serves as a reminder that access to trusted information and community voice are essential to creating the conditions for people and places to thrive. As Inland Empire Thrive partners continue advancing the Vital Conditions together, we recognize the important role local journalism plays in making community experiences, challenges, and assets visible— and in strengthening connection, trust, and civic participation across our region.
For the Inland Empire Vital Conditions Network, the Summit serves as a reminder that access to trusted information and community voice are essential to creating the conditions for people and places to thrive. As Inland Empire Thrive partners continue advancing the Vital Conditions together, we recognize the important role local journalism plays in making community experiences, challenges, and assets visible— and in strengthening connection, trust, and civic participation across our region.