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Source verified July 6, 2026
Local Journalism Initiative - Changing Narratives Fund
Supports diverse journalists in civic journalism
Latest source updateLast Update: April 9, 2026Latest change: The Changing Narratives Fund now includes a sunset date of March 31, 2027, with 2026–2027 allocations being implemented as planned.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Latest change: The Changing Narratives Fund now includes a sunset date of March 31, 2027, with 2026–2027 allocations being implemented as planned.
Changing Narratives Fund updated
The Changing Narratives Fund page now states that the fund will not be renewed and will sunset on March 31, 2027, while noting that 2026–2027 allocations are being implemented as planned. The page also removes the earlier note that funding would be available to diverse-led or mandated organizations for further distribution, which changes the funding context and slightly narrows the stated scope of support.
Funding available
$ 60,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Opened February 3, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
The Changing Narratives Fund stream under the Local Journalism Initiative supports eligible Canadian media organizations hiring diverse journalists to produce civic journalism for underserved communities. Funding also supports mentoring, training, and professional development activities for these journalists.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 60,000 $
- Up to 5% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Civic and Advocacy Organizations
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hiring journalists from CNF priority communities to produce original civic journalism.
- Mentoring, training, and professional development for journalists at all career stages.
- Producing journalism for underserved communities across Canada.
Documents Needed
- Media Organization Profile
- Application Form
- Budget with salary and equipment request
- Articles of incorporation
- Most recent financial statements
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Press agencies
- Private news organizations
- Non-profit news organizations
- Indigenous organizations operating an Indigenous news outlet in Canada
Who is not eligible
- Private non-community broadcasters.
- CBC/Radio-Canada.
Eligible expenses
- Journalist salaries and mandatory employment-related costs.
- Equipment purchase or lease.
- Professional development costs, including mentoring, training, coaching, workshops, and knowledge exchange.
- Accessibility-related expenses for eligible journalists.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Opinion pieces, editorials, and advertising.
- Illegal, false, or misleading content.
- Investigative content used to support lobbying or advocacy strategies.
- Content that does not relate to current events or local issues.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Relevance: 40 points
- Impact: 40 points
- Capacity: 20 points
- Strategic bonus: up to 10 points
How to apply
- Step 1: Create an account in the online portal.
- Step 2: Complete the required forms and upload supporting documents.
- Step 3: Submit the application through the SM Apply portal.
- Step 4: Await email confirmation of receipt.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first screened for eligibility and completeness.
- Eligible applications are reviewed by an Independent Selection Committee.
- Funding decisions are based on the committee’s recommendations and the prioritization framework.
- Successful applicants receive a formal offer by email.
Additional information
- Funding for the Changing Narratives Fund is being delivered by a single not-for-profit organization to help protect press independence.
- The initiative will span at least the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 fiscal years.
- Guides and information resources, such as service standards and a glossary of terms, are available to applicants online.
- Content produced with this funding is made available to media organizations under a Creative Commons license.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Local Journalism Initiative - Changing Narratives Fund Program
What is the Local Journalism Initiative - Changing Narratives Fund?
The Changing Narratives Fund stream under the Local Journalism Initiative supports eligible Canadian media organizations hiring diverse journalists to produce civic journalism for underserved communities. Funding also supports mentoring, training, and professional development activities for these journalists.
How much funding can be received?
Local Journalism Initiative - Changing Narratives Fund Funds up to 5% of admissible expenses, capped at $60,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Local Journalism Initiative - Changing Narratives Fund program?
To be eligible for the Local Journalism Initiative - Changing Narratives Fund program, you must:
Canadian press agency, non-profit, or private news organization
Operates in eligible news sectors
Majority owned and controlled by Canadians
What expenses are eligible under Local Journalism Initiative - Changing Narratives Fund?
Hiring journalists from CNF priority communities to produce original civic journalism.
Mentoring, training, and professional development for journalists at all career stages.
Producing journalism for underserved communities across Canada.
Who can I contact for more information about the Local Journalism Initiative - Changing Narratives Fund?
You can contact Canadian Heritage by email at cnf-fdv@crfc-fcrc.ca or by phone at 613-552-3634.
Where is the Local Journalism Initiative - Changing Narratives Fund available?
The Local Journalism Initiative - Changing Narratives Fund program is available across Canada.
Is the Local Journalism Initiative - Changing Narratives Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Local Journalism Initiative - Changing Narratives Fund is a Grant and Funding