GrantMatch

Local News Fund

Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Closing in 29 days

Funding

Up to £275,000

Location

England, North East England, North West England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, South East England, South West England, Wales

Applications

Open until 7 August 2026

Overview

The Local News Fund offers grants to local news outlets and other eligible organisations. It is run by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Grants go up to £275,000. The fund supports innovation, tools, resources, and infrastructure that help local news become financially sustainable. You apply through a competitive bidding process. The deadline is 7 August 2026.

Eligibility

Who can apply:

limited companycharitysocial enterprise

Key requirements:

  • Must be a local news outlet or other eligible organisation
  • Must apply through a competitive bidding process
Who is this for?

This fund is for local news outlets and other eligible organisations across the UK, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It suits those looking to invest in innovation, tools, or infrastructure to build a more sustainable future for local news.

Sectors

Charities & Non-Profit

Regions

EnglandNorth East EnglandNorth West EnglandNorthern IrelandScotlandSouth East EnglandSouth West EnglandWales
Full details from Department for Culture, Media and Sport

The Local News Fund offers grants through a competitive bidding process to local news outlets and other eligible organisations to help ensure the long-term provision of high quality local news. The Fund invites bids from eligible providers for grants to invest in innovation and the tools, resources and infrastructure from which the whole industry can benefit in moving towards a financially sustainable future.

How to apply

You apply through a competitive bidding process run by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Submit your bid before the 7 August 2026 deadline.

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Last updated: 9 July 2026