Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Department of Canadian Heritage (LJI)

The Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) is a federal funding program administered by the Department of Canadian Heritage to strengthen civic journalism in underserved communities across Canada. It provides financial assistance to eligible Canadian media organizations so they can hire staff journalists or engage freelance journalists to produce original news coverage that informs residents about local institutions, public affairs and community issues.

The LJI is part of the Government of Canada’s broader support for journalism and the news sector. Rather than funding individual reporters directly, Canadian Heritage allocates resources to qualified news organizations, which then recruit and supervise journalists dedicated to civic reporting. To safeguard editorial independence, the initiative is delivered at arm’s length through not-for-profit industry organizations that represent different segments of the news media.

LJI funding targets media outlets that serve communities with limited access to local news. Eligible organizations can operate in the written press, community radio, community television or online news services. Through the program, they receive support to create new reporting positions or expand freelance coverage, ensuring that local stories and public-interest information reach audiences who might otherwise be overlooked.

Beginning in 2025-2026, the Local Journalism Initiative incorporates a Changing Narratives Fund stream. This stream provides additional funding to support the hiring of journalists from diverse communities, including Indigenous, Black, racialized, ethno-religious minority, 2SLGBTQI+ communities and people with disabilities. Funded organizations commit to offering mentoring, training and professional development to these journalists, with the goal of increasing their long-term participation and leadership in the media sector.

To maintain a clear separation between government and editorial decision-making, the LJI is delivered by designated not-for-profit organizations, referred to as initial recipients. These include the Community Media Coalition represented by the Community Radio Fund of Canada, the Consortium of Official Language Minority Community Media and News Media Canada. Each partner manages applications and funding for specific segments of the news industry and redistributes federal funds to eligible media outlets across the country.

Content produced with LJI support is made available under a Creative Commons licence so that other media organizations can republish and share it, broadening access to trusted information. Together with related programs such as the Canada Periodical Fund and its Collective Initiatives and Special Measures for Journalism components, the LJI contributes to the sustainability of Canadian journalism and promotes a more inclusive, accurately represented media landscape.