About Us
Investing in a stronger Colorado through trusted local news.
Colorado Media Project was founded in the summer of 2018 to address a set of critical, intertwined challenges: the decline of local news, the spread of digital disinformation, and the growing polarization affecting our communities.
The way we get information has changed, straining many local new sources. Yet, Coloradans know that strong communities and strong local news go hand in hands. We rely on trusted, local information to understand important issues, connect with our neighbors and engage in civic life.
As a result, a new story for local news is being written. Across the country and statewide, sustainable models for community centered news are emerging. Colorado Media Project has been at the forefront of this work, building a movement to seize this moment of opportunity.
We began by serving as a center of gravity for a broad coalition of civic leaders, philanthropists, journalists, and residents to build new, sustainable solutions from the ground up. That spirit of collaboration continues to drive our work today.
Our Vision
We envision a future where all Coloradans have access to the high-quality local news and information they trust and use to learn, engage with their community, and participate in democracy.
To make this a reality, Colorado Media Project is a nonpartisan philanthropic initiative dedicated to building a resilient, equitable, and sustainable local news and information ecosystem that serves the public.
What We Do
We unite funders, news organizations, and community leaders to strengthen local news in three key ways:
Fund
We grow and invest new resources to strengthen local news and information across Colorado. Through strategic grantmaking and pooled funds, we provide catalytic support for projects that enhance sustainability, innovation, and equity in our state’s news ecosystem.
Connect & Catalyze
We build the infrastructure needed for a healthy information ecosystem. We bring funders, newsrooms, and community leaders together to coordinate giving, share insights, and collaborate for greater impact. Our work also connects Colorado partners to a nationwide network of peers and resources through our role as the state’s Press Forward local chapter.
Support & Advocate
We promote local news as a vital public resource that deserves broad support. By commissioning research, sharing best practices, and supporting public policy efforts, we help build a stronger, more sustainable future for local news in Colorado.
Our Strategic Priorities (2025–2027)
Our work is guided by three core priorities:
Closing Coverage Gaps
Ensuring Colorado’s local news ecosystem equitably engages with and serves communities of color, linguistically diverse communities, rural communities, and other historically marginalized groups.
Trusted Local News & Information
Increasing access to high-quality, fact-based local news that Coloradans trust and need to engage in their communities and civic life.
Sustainability and Efficiency
Strengthening investment in independent local news and supporting solutions that make community journalism more efficient and sustainable for the long term.