New Jersey Civic Information Consortium
The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium calls for the restoration of funding in the final state budget
The Governor's proposed FY27 budget removes funding for the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium, putting critical support for local journalism and civic information at risk. Since its establishment in 2018, the Consortium has served as a national model for public investment in local news, directing more than $12 million to community-driven journalism projects across the state.
"New Jersey has been a national leader in supporting local journalism through public investment, and the proposed cut to Consortium funding threatens the vital infrastructure we have been creating to build and sustain local journalism."
The Consortium funds projects that meet the information needs of underserved communities, encourage civic engagement, and strengthen local journalism through innovative and sustainable news models. Our grantees are estimated to reach 1 in 4 New Jersey households, serving communities across the state that are too often overlooked by traditional media.
At a time when misinformation is rising, local newsrooms are shrinking, and communities are losing access to the reliable information they need to participate in civic life, New Jersey should not step back from its commitment to supporting local journalism.
The proposed budget is the first step in the state budget process. The Legislature will ultimately determine the final state budget, and we are calling on legislators to restore Consortium funding so communities across New Jersey continue to have access to reliable, community-based news and information.
"Local journalism, civic engagement, and eliminating misinformation is worth fighting for."
The Consortium will be working with legislators, partners, and supporters across the state to advocate for the restoration of funding. We encourage all New Jerseyans who believe in the importance of local journalism to join us in this effort.
We invite you to visit our advocacy page to learn more about what is at stake, why the Consortium matters, and how you can help.
The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium is an independent nonprofit organization established by the State of New Jersey in 2018 to strengthen local journalism and civic information across the state. Through grants, research, training programs, and collaboration with media organizations and community partners, the Consortium works to ensure New Jersey residents have access to reliable information that helps increase civic participation and enhance community life.
Madison McCool
Grants & Communications Manager
madi@njcivicinfo.org
Learn what's at stake, why the Consortium matters, and how you can help advocate for the restoration of funding.
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