Why Support Matters - Iowa Newspaper Association

More Than 40 Years of Investing in Iowa Local News

For more than four decades, the Iowa Newspaper Foundation has invested in the people and organizations that keep Iowans informed.

Since its creation in 1984, the Foundation has helped newspaper professionals strengthen their skills, learn from one another and prepare for a changing industry. What began as an effort to provide affordable, high-quality educational opportunities has grown into a broad commitment to developing talent, supporting innovation and building a strong future for local news in Iowa.

Our Beginning: The Iowa Newspaper Foundation was established by the Iowa Newspaper Association in 1984, creating a way for individuals and organizations to make tax-deductible contributions in support of enhanced educational programming.From the beginning, the Foundation recognized that strong newspapers depend on strong people. Its early work focused on making valuable training and professional development accessible to newspaper professionals throughout the state.While the tools and challenges of journalism have changed considerably since then, that central purpose has remained the same.

Teaching: Education has always been at the heart of the Foundation’s work.Through workshops, webinars and the annual INA Convention, the Foundation gives reporters, editors, publishers, advertising professionals, digital specialists and other local news professionals opportunities to sharpen their skills and bring new ideas back to their organizations.Programs such as the Woodward Writing Workshop continue a longstanding commitment to strong reporting, interviewing, writing and storytelling. Participants receive practical instruction, individualized coaching and the opportunity to learn alongside other Iowa journalists.Through Online Media Campus, professionals can access timely, affordable training without the expense or time required for travel.
The Foundation also helps underwrite the annual INA Convention, bringing hundreds of Iowa local news professionals, college students and educators together for education, recognition and industry conversation.

Connecting: Some of the most valuable learning happens when people come together. Foundation programs create opportunities for professionals from organizations of every size to exchange ideas, discuss shared challenges and form relationships that continue long after a workshop or event has ended.
The Mores Media Fellowship is one example of that commitment. Established in 2009 through a generous gift from Steve and Alan Mores of Harlan Newspapers in honor of their father, longtime publisher Leo Mores, the fellowship develops current and emerging leaders in Iowa’s local news industry. Since its creation, 95 professionals have completed the program, forming a statewide network of leaders prepared to guide their organizations and communities forward.

Supporting the Next Generation: The Foundation’s mission has grown over the years to include an increasing focus on the future workforce of local news.Since 2014, the Newspaper Matching Funds Program has helped Iowa newspapers provide students with paid, hands-on experience.
The program began by supporting three internships and has grown to fund eight annually.These experiences allow students to serve communities, develop professional skills and discover the impact of local journalism firsthand.The Foundation also supports scholarships, writing competitions, high school media experiences and other student programs designed to help young people explore journalism and prepare for meaningful careers.

Newer initiatives, including the Potter Digital Ambassador Program, connect college students with Iowa news organizations that can benefit from their knowledge of social media, audience engagement, digital storytelling and emerging technology. Students gain real-world experience while participating organizations receive focused assistance that can move important digital projects from ideas into action.

Growing With the Industry: The Foundation’s work has continually evolved to meet the needs of Iowa’s local news organizations. Today, its programs support professionals at every stage—from high school students discovering journalism for the first time to experienced leaders navigating changes in technology, revenue, audience behavior and community needs.The methods have changed, but the goal has not: to give Iowa’s local news professionals opportunities to learn, connect and succeed.

The Next Chapter: The story of the Iowa Newspaper Foundation has been shaped by the generosity of donors, newspaper leaders, families and organizations that believe informed communities depend on strong local news.Their support has created scholarships, internships, fellowships, workshops, awards and professional development opportunities that have reached generations of Iowa journalists and media professionals. As the industry continues to change, the Foundation is committed to meeting new challenges with the same spirit that inspired its creation more than 40 years ago: investing in people, strengthening local news organizations and helping ensure that Iowa communities continue to have trusted sources of information.

Help Us Carry the Work Forward: The next chapter of Iowa local news is being written now. Your support helps the Iowa Newspaper Foundation prepare future journalists, strengthen today’s professionals and create new opportunities for Iowa’s local news organizations.