The Local News Fund has a total budget of £6m in 2026/27 to help ensure the long-term provision of high-quality local news. The fund will support local media to invest in innovation and the tools, resources and infrastructure to ensure the long-term future of local news, encompassing:
- investigative or campaigning journalism
- reporting on the activities of local public institutions
- reporting on other matters of unique interest to local communities
The funding is being distributed through two strands:
Local News Outlet Funding (75% of the fund) – grants up to £125,000 for local news outlets. This can include commercial innovation, technological innovation, editorial innovation, upskilling newsrooms to address skills gaps, upgrades to core business and IT infrastructure.
Infrastructure Funding (25% of the fund) – grants up to £275,000 for organisations that are developing tools, services and other initiatives from which the local media industry more widely can benefit.
Focus of fund/fund aims:
Grants to support investment in local media outlets and supporting infrastructure in order to secure the long-term sustainability of local news provision
Application deadline:
7 August 2026
Fund description:
https://www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/local-news-fund-1