Open
Local Journalism Initiative - Changing Narratives Fund
Supports diverse journalists in civic journalism
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : 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
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
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
- All industries
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
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
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Local Journalism Initiative - Changing Narratives Fund. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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.
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 (PCH) by email at initiatedejournalismelocal-localjournalisminitiative@pch.gc.ca or by phone at 1-866-811-0055.
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
Who are the financial supporters of the Local Journalism Initiative - Changing Narratives Fund?
Local Journalism Initiative - Changing Narratives Fund is funded by Canadian Heritage (PCH)