Raise $5,000. Get $10,000 more.
Strengthen local news in Maine.
Press Forward Maine is inviting local newsrooms across the state to participate in a new fundraising opportunity as part of Local News Day 2027.
Up to 14 Maine newsrooms will be selected to receive professional fundraising training, ready-to-use tools, and the chance to triple the money they raise from their audiences in April 2027.
Whether you're new to fundraising or already have experience, we encourage you to apply. This pilot program is designed to help newsrooms of different sizes and capacities build support from their communities. Open to nonprofit, locally owned for-profit, and public media newsrooms across Maine. See full Eligibility Requirements below.
Applications open November 2 and close Dec. 1, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Have questions about the Matching Challenge? Join Press Forward for a virtual information session on Friday, Oct. 30, from noon to 1 p.m., to learn more about the opportunity, eligibility, and application process. This session will be recorded and shared. Register here.
This opportunity is presented by Press Forward, Press Forward Maine, and Local News Day.
How the Match Works
For every $1 your newsroom raises from individual supporters during April 2027, Press Forward Maine will add $2, up to $10,000 in matching funds per newsroom.
| Your newsroom raises | Press Forward adds | Your total |
| $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 |
| $2,500 | $5,000 | $7,500 |
| $5,000 | $10,000 | $15,000 |
You don't have to raise the full $5,000 to benefit. Every eligible dollar counts, up to your newsroom's approved matching limit. Funds can support your newsroom's general operations.
More than Matching Funds
We're here to help you succeed. Selected newsrooms will receive:
- Professional fundraising training for both beginners and experienced fundraisers.
- Ready-to-use materials, including sample emails, social media graphics, and campaign templates.
- Help planning your campaign so you can set realistic goals and connect with supporters.
- Statewide and national promotion through Press Forward and Local News Day.
- Access to a free online fundraising platform if you need one.
You don't need a fundraising plan ready to apply. We'll help you build one.
For-profit newsrooms can apply with an existing fiscal sponsor. All selected newsrooms must create a profile on the Press Forward Mightycause campaign page. Because Mightycause only hosts nonprofit profiles, for-profit newsrooms will need a nonprofit fiscal sponsor or partner for that purpose.
Applications open Nov. 2, 2026, and close Dec. 1, 2026, at 5 p.m.
You'll be asked about your newsroom, the communities you serve, your finances, fundraising experience, and goals for the April campaign. Preview the application questions linked below to prepare.
You don't need to have all the answers. Estimates and preliminary ideas are welcome, and we encourage newsrooms of all experience levels to apply.
Press Forward Maine will select a geographically diverse group of newsrooms based on community information needs, organizational capacity, fundraising goals, and potential impact. All applicants will be notified by Jan. 8, 2027.
Applications open Nov. 2, 2026, and close Dec. 1, 2026, at 5 p.m.
You'll be asked about your newsroom, the communities you serve, your finances, fundraising experience, and goals for the April campaign. Preview the application questions linked below to prepare.
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You don't need to have all the answers. Estimates and preliminary ideas are welcome, and we encourage newsrooms of all experience levels to apply.
Press Forward Maine will select a geographically diverse group of newsrooms based on community information needs, organizational capacity, fundraising goals, and potential impact. All applicants will be notified by Jan. 8, 2027.
| Date | What's Happening |
| Oct. 30, 2026 | Virtual information session, noon–1 p.m. |
| Nov. 2, 2026 | Applications open |
| Nov. 2026 | Additional office hours, dates TBA |
| Dec. 1, 2026 | Application deadline, 5 p.m. |
| By Jan. 8, 2027 | Newsrooms notified |
| February–March 2027 | Fundraising training |
| April 1–30, 2027 | Matching Challenge campaign |
| April 8, 2027 | Local News Day |
| May 14, 2027 | Fundraising documentation due |
| May 31, 2027 | Final report due |
| By June 30, 2027 | Matching funds distributed |
From April 1–30, 2027, participating newsrooms will receive $2 in matching funds for every $1 in eligible contributions, up to their approved matching limit.
Which contributions count?
Eligible contributions include:
- New donations from individuals, including people who have supported your newsroom before.
- New memberships and subscriptions purchased by individuals.
- Recurring contributions started during the campaign.
- Contributions made by check, with proper documentation.
What are the rules?
- Individual contributions only. Donations from businesses, foundations, and other organizations are welcome but do not qualify for matching funds.
- April 1–30, 2027. Contributions must be pledged and received during the campaign period, except for qualifying recurring gifts.
- $1,000 per donor limit. Up to $1,000 from each individual can count toward the match. Larger gifts are welcome, but only the first $1,000 qualifies.
How do recurring contributions work?
If someone starts a monthly contribution during April, up to 12 months of those contributions can count toward the match, subject to the $1,000 per donor limit.
For example, a new $50 monthly contribution could count as $600 toward your match. A $100 monthly contribution could count as $1,000, even though the full year would total $1,200.
Can we accept contributions outside these rules?
Absolutely! Your newsroom can still accept support from businesses, foundations, and other sources, as well as contributions outside the campaign period. Those funds simply won't count toward your Press Forward matching grant.
How do we document contributions?
You'll need to submit a report showing each eligible donor's name, contribution date, and amount by May 14, 2027. Contributions by check also require copies of the checks and deposit slips.
Matching funds can be used for general operating support. For-profit newsrooms working with fiscal sponsors may have additional requirements.
You can use your existing fundraising platform, such as a membership system or donation processor.
Whatever platform you use, it must be able to provide a report showing each eligible contribution, including:
- Donor name.
- Contribution date.
- Contribution amount.
Newsrooms that need a fundraising platform can use Mightycause at no cost.
Do we have to use Mightycause?
You do not have to use Mightycause to process your contributions. However, every selected newsroom must create a profile on the Press Forward Mightycause campaign page.
This shared page will help supporters discover participating newsrooms across the country.
Because Mightycause only supports nonprofit profiles, for-profit newsrooms will need a nonprofit fiscal sponsor or partner to create their profile. Press Forward can help you explore options if you don't already have one.
Can checks count?
Yes. Checks received during the campaign period can qualify. You'll need to provide copies of the checks and deposit slips as part of your fundraising documentation.
Participating newsrooms agree to:
- Attend virtual fundraising training during February and March 2027.
- Prepare and run an audience fundraising campaign from April 1–30, 2027, including participating in Local News Day promotions on April 8.
- Set up a fundraising page or use an existing platform that can track individual contributions, and create a profile on the Press Forward Mightycause campaign page.
- Submit fundraising documentation by May 14, 2027, including donor names, contribution dates, and amounts. Additional documentation is required for checks.
- Submit a brief final report by May 31, 2027, sharing fundraising results, lessons learned, and campaign feedback.
- Participate in program evaluation and provide available photos, videos, or community impact information for program reporting.
- Acknowledge Press Forward and Press Forward Maine in campaign communications, using the guidance provided.
How much time will training take?
Training sessions will generally last 60–90 minutes. Experienced fundraisers may attend two or three sessions, while those newer to fundraising may attend up to five sessions. Training is required, but the support will be tailored to your experience.
When will we receive matching funds?
Matching funds will be distributed after fundraising contributions have been reviewed and verified, no later than June 30, 2027.
What is Local News Day?
Local News Day is a national day of action that encourages communities to connect with and support local news. More than 1,300 newsrooms participated in April 2026, leveraging the awareness generated to launch new products, hold events, and ask readers directly for support. The next Local News Day is April 8, 2027, during the Matching Challenge fundraising period.
We've never fundraised before. Can we apply?
Absolutely! This program welcomes first-time fundraisers. Training and tools will help you prepare.
What if we don't raise $5,000?
That's okay. You'll earn matching funds based on what you raise, up to your approved limit. For example, raising $2,000 could earn another $4,000, giving your newsroom $6,000 total.
How much can our newsroom receive?
Up to $10,000. Your newsroom earns matching funds for every $1 in eligible contributions raised during April 1–30, 2027, up to your match cap.
Can we apply if we've participated in NewsMatch or received Press Forward funding before?
Yes. Previous participation in a matching campaign or receipt of Press Forward funding does not disqualify you.
How will applications be reviewed?
Press Forward Maine will consider the communities served, local information needs, geographic representation, newsroom capacity, fundraising goals, and potential benefit to the newsroom. We're seeking a diverse group of participating newsrooms from across Maine.
Who will see our application and fundraising information?
Press Forward Maine will share necessary application and campaign information with Press Forward, The Miami Foundation, and authorized program partners for program administration, contribution verification, evaluation, and reporting.
Your publication name and basic newsroom information may be shared publicly as part of the program. Individual newsroom financial information will be kept confidential within the authorized program team, and public financial reporting will use aggregated results.
What if we're not selected?
You can still explore available fundraising resources and, if eligible, set up a free Mightycause fundraising page.
We want this opportunity to be accessible to newsrooms of all sizes and experience levels.
Join our virtual information session
Join Press Forward for a virtual information session on Friday, Oct. 30, from noon to 1 p.m., to learn more about the opportunity, eligibility, and application process. Register here.
November Office Hours
We'll also host additional virtual office hours in November to answer questions about eligibility, the application, and fundraising. Dates will be announced soon.
Contact Us
Not sure if your newsroom qualifies? Have a question about the application or how the match works?
Email pressforward@mainecf.org We're happy to help!
Press Forward Maine is a statewide initiative housed at the Maine Community Foundation. The Matching Challenge is part of a national pilot program coordinated by Press Forward in connection with Local News Day 2027.
