The Washington Local News Funder Collaborative (WLNFC), Press Forward’s Washington State Chapter, is a collaborative initiative launched and led by community foundations across the state, dedicated to reinforcing local news and information as a vital element of civic life. As local news sources dwindle, WLNFC seeks to strengthen independent media, broaden community voices, and keep residents informed for active civic participation. By investing in Washington state’s local news and information ecosystem, WLNFC champions informed, involved, resilient communities.

The Washington Local News Funder Collaborative  Charter and Strategic Framework can be found here>

WLNFC is part of the national Press Forward network. One of more than 40 local chapters, pooling resources, sharing effective strategies, and beginning in 2026, making a difference in local communities across Washington by moving funding where is needs to go, from local newsrooms to infrastructure development.  

WLNFC’s founders recognized the opportunity to provide local leadership while coordinating with the national movement, ensuring that Washington’s specific needs are addressed. 

The initiative is guided by a council comprised of regional leaders and organizations committed to its mission. WLNFC’s founding Council members are: 

Press Forward Washington collaborates with the newly formed Washington News Alliance.

WLNFC is dedicated to supporting local news and information in all its forms. Our goal is to ensure every Washingtonian has easy access to the information they need. They see their community and their neighbors represented in accurate, respectful stories, in bylines, and beyond. People and communities are at the center of our work.  

Through a collaborative funding effort, WLNFC is investing in robust local news infrastructure using the following approaches: 

Understanding Washington’s Local News and Information Landscape: Gathering and commissioning relevant data to understand the state’s needs for a robust media ecosystem. 

Raising and Leveraging Resources: Raising resources to reinforce and sustain local community reporting. Facilitating cooperation and collaboration among funders, local news and information organizations, and community groups to ensure initiatives are responsive to community priorities. 

Strategic Grantmaking: Creating fair and transparent grantmaking practices designed to distribute resources effectively across Washington State. 

Championing Local News and Information: Promoting policies that improve access to local news and civic information. Leading efforts to recognize reliable local news as fundamental to community cohesion, civic engagement, and government accountability.