Grant News
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has announced £12 million in funding to support innovation and long-term sustainability in local journalism.
The Local News Fund, part of the government’s Amplify strategy, offers grants to local news outlets and other eligible organisations to help ensure the long-term provision of high-quality local news.
£6 million in funding will be provided in 2026/27, with up to a further £6 million available in 2027/28.
Funding is divided into two parts:
- Local News Outlet Funding (LNOF): 75% of the Fund is for eligible local news outlets based in England or Wales, which operate in print, online, radio or TV, to invest in the tools and services - such as apps or innovative use of multimedia channels – needed help them reach new audiences and generate income. The maximum award for this funding stream is £125,000
- Infrastructure Funding (IF): 25% of the Fund is for eligible UK-based organisations which are developing tools, services and other initiatives which benefit the wider local media industry. The maximum award for this funding stream is £275,000
In the second year, £1 million will be set aside to help establish or revive news services in areas without dedicated local coverage. Up to a further £5 million will support the continued financial sustainability and innovation of the local journalism sector.
Applications close at 12pm on 7 August 2026.
Useful Links: