Supporting the Future of Local Media
In the current climate of widespread disinformation and polarization, independent journalism is essential to keeping people informed, supporting democracy, and fostering vibrant communities. Panorama is proud to support partners dedicated to this important work.
By investing in community-based journalism, The Fund for Alternative Journalism provides support for critical investigative reporting; for hiring and retaining writers and editors who cover public-interest beats like education, housing, criminal justice, and the environment; and for hosting and promoting educational events.
The Fund initially supported two leading alternative-weeklies, Seattle’s The Stranger and its sister publication, the Portland Mercury. In 2025, the Fund received almost $5 million from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Schmidt Family Foundation, Allen Family Philanthropies, GRACE Communications Foundation, and other philanthropists, as well as from readers. In August, it acquired a third paper, the Chicago Reader, and it plans to continue expanding its reach and support of other publications throughout 2026.
The Fund’s vision is to build self-sustaining alternative-weekly media outlets that connect people to arts, culture, politics, and civic life.
Panorama Global's fiscal sponsorship ensures proper use of charitable donations while saving the Fund the expense and administrative burden of creating and managing a new 501(c)(3) entity.