With support from More Perfect, the Urban Libraries Council is launching a national micro-grants pilot to support collaborations between public libraries and local news organizations focused on trusted civic information, community voice, and democratic participation.
The pilot will provide 6–8 micro-grants to library–newsroom teams, along with targeted implementation support, and will culminate in a practical playbook to help replicate promising models nationwide. Projects may expand existing efforts or seed new ones. Libraries with varied experience levels with this work are encouraged to apply.
Pilot activities will align with one or more of the following themes:
- Increasing access to and trust in reliable local information – Expanding community access to nonpartisan, high-quality local information.
- Increasing community voice and narrative – Strengthening community representation in local storytelling through deeper journalist–community collaboration or co-production.
- Creating pathways for democratic participation – Supporting civic dialogue and engagement through the library’s role as a welcoming, low-barrier public space.
Project development will take place from June-October 2026 and implementation will take place from November 2026 – May 2027.
Register Now for an informational webinar about this opportunity on April 14 at 2 pm ET.
This opportunity is only open to ULC member libraries based in the United States.
Libraries will receive:
- $7,500-$10,000 of project support funds
- Skill-building for staff focused on topics including partnership development, community asset mapping, understanding current trends and opportunities in journalism, program or service design, facilitation, and evaluation.
- Access to a national network of libraries implementing innovative projects related to local news
- Access to expert ULC guidance and support
Libraries will be expected to:
- Send at least one project lead to monthly virtual cohort calls, including one longer kickoff training session tentatively scheduled for June 16. After the kickoff, cohort calls will take place monthly through August 2027.
- Implement one program, service, or initiative to address local information needs in your community between Nov. 2026 and May 2027.
- Partner with a local news or civic media-affiliated institution or individual.
- Participate in ULC-led grant reporting and evaluation activities.
Apply Now!
This work was made possible through the support of the Office of American Possibilities Fund, a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.
Local News Day is coming up on Thursday, April 9, and we encourage all NENPA members to take part in this national day of action celebrating the essential role of local journalism in our communities.
The New England Newspaper & Press Association is proud to be a partner of 
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The 
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