LION opens applications for 15 $100,000 Growth Grants

Independent local newsrooms that join LION Publishers are doing incredible things, often with very tight budgets. 

Last year, the median annual revenue for our members was $138,000. Many are growing through a combination of revenue streams, from ads to philanthropic dollars. We know from hundreds of LION Sustainability Audits that there are immediate steps that publishers can take to strengthen their business and chart a path for continued growth. And we also know that general operating support can play a catalytic role in helping implement new strategies and big ideas. 

That’s why we’re thrilled to be able to offer $100,000 Growth Grants to 15 members this year, thanks to support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. 

“There has been a clear and consistent call from many members about the need for this kind of direct, general operating funding,” said Chris Krewson, executive director of LION. “We’re excited to see how these 15 organizations put this to use serving their communities and strengthening their operations.”

“Local newsrooms are essential to a healthy democracy, and they need flexible, substantial support to grow and thrive,” said Silvia Rivera, director of local news at MacArthur. “We hope this direct support, combined with the roadmaps that LION’s Sustainability Audits provide, gives members the flexibility to strengthen their operations and better serve their communities.” 

Applications are open from August 15, 2025, to September 26, 2025, at 5 p.m. PT. See below for eligibility requirements and details about the application process.

Two payments ($50k) for selected members will be distributed in 2026 and 2027.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be an active LION member on August 15, 2025.
  • Past LION members who were active between January 1, 2024, to August 14, 2025, are eligible to apply if they renew and pay dues by the application deadline. (We recommend applying for renewal as soon as possible and cannot guarantee renewal by the deadline.) 
• Members must:
  • Currently meet LION’s Membership Criteria and adhere to LION’s Code of Conduct. 
  • Be based in the United States (news site/news products).
  • Have an annual revenue of at least $75,000.

Application Process

In order to be eligible, you must take the new version of the Sustainability Audit that became available to members in June 2025. If you took an Audit as part of our test group, you may use that Audit. Access the Audit by signing in to the member portal.

Step 1: If you haven’t met the Audit requirement already, log in to the LION member portal and complete an Audit as soon as possible. The time it takes to complete the Audit varies, but we recommend giving yourself up to two hours to complete it. 

Step 2: Create your account in our application system.  

Step 3: Click “Start application” to complete the 10-question application. 

Applications are open from August 15, 2025, to September 26, 2025, at 5 p.m. PT.

Review Process

Applications will be reviewed and scored by LION staff and an external review committee of industry leaders. Reviewers will be looking for: 

• A clear articulation of how you plan to utilize a Growth Grant to implement new ideas and/or strategies to grow your business. 
• A strong argument that growing your business will help you better serve the news and information needs of your community. 

LION will host an information session about the Growth Grants program on Wednesday, August 27, at 9 a.m. PT/12 p.m. ET. 

RSVP to attend the information session.

If you have questions about this program or the application process, please contact membership@lionpublishers.com.