Investing in Deeper Dives
In describing our first journalism strategy, I shared an interest in supporting organizations and initiatives telling the untold stories. There is also an opportunity to complement institutional supports with individual supports. Type Investigations, the Fund for Investigative Journalism, the Education Writers Association Reporting Fellowships, and the McGraw Fellowship for Business Journalism, to name a few funds, attest to the value of individualized supports to help reporters turn unexplored ideas into high-impact stories. We are still listening, learning, and considering how we might support reporters in their work locally and we welcome input.

Expanding Access to Editing and Mentorship
The contraction of the media industry has taken its toll on the ranks of editors. In many newsrooms, fewer editors are juggling more projects leaving them less time to work with reporters. Ensuring reporters and their stories blossom requires partnership, from editors and from mentors in the industry. Some organizations are responding to this need at a national level, such as the Online News Association and Investigative Reporters and Editors. We are interested in possible local approaches to address this challenge.

Providing Exposure and Enrichment
For many years, the Foundation has supported partners, such as The Poynter Institute, to develop and deliver trainings that offer local journalists tools and help them develop the skills and deepen the knowledge they need to report effectively. Trainings have been consistently well attended and well-rated and we look forward to continue working with partners locally and nationally to bring accessible and relevant professional development opportunities to the region. We always appreciate recommendations from local journalists on the type of training they are seeking.

Read the full article about investing in human capital by Andres Torres of the McCormick Foundation at medium.