In January 2026, St. David’s Foundation launched the Strengthening Local Media to Advance Community Health funding opportunity, focused on supporting local media organizations and community-centered journalism that strengthen coverage of health and social issues impacting Central Texans, particularly those facing the greatest health disparities. This open call was centered on the Foundation’s belief that Central Texans are stronger when they are connected – to each other, to vital resources, and to opportunities that shape and improve their communities.

Over $3M was awarded to 21 organizations to deepen local coverage of health and social issues in Central Texas. We invite you to explore this page and learn more about the grant recipients.

Overview

Local journalism remains a cornerstone of a healthy, thriving community. Strong local news not only keeps residents informed, but also fosters healthy civic dialogue and deepens engagement on the issues that influence health and well-being throughout our region. Without it, people are less informed, less engaged, and less likely to participate in civic life – from voting to staying aware of public health and safety concern.

The goal of this funding opportunity was to support local media organizations and community-centered journalism that strengthens local coverage of health and social issues impacting Central Texans, particularly those facing the greatest health disparities.

This initiative aimed to:

• Strengthen equity-focused, community-informed local reporting on the factors that influence health and well-being.
• Strengthen the capacity and durability of local news organizations serving diverse and underrepresented communities.
• Foster collaboration and connection among journalists, storytellers, and community partners.
• Elevate the voices and lived experiences of Central Texans most affected by health inequities

The 21 organizations awarded grants as part of this open call align with the Foundation’s Civic Health funding priority and advance the Foundation’s 2030 Impact to increase the number and strength of locally rooted networks in communities with the greatest health needs in Central Texas.

Grant recipients received a flexible, one-time, 24-month grant.

View an informational webinar recording for Strengthening Local Media to Advance Community Health, here.

Grant Recipients

• Austin Black Business Journal & Community News Magazine (Made Media Group)
• Austin Free Press
• Austin Vida
• Black Life ATX
• Caldwell-Hays Examiner
• Central Texas Community Media Lab
• Hola News Austin
• KAZI FM Radio
• KUT Public Media
• Kyle Radio
• Liberty Hill Independent News & Media
• Lockhart Arts Music and Broadcasting Education Corp (KLKT)
• Lockhart Post-Register
• Minorities for Equality in Employment Education Liberty and Justice (MELJ)
• Public Health Watch
• San Marcos Texas Community Radio Association
• Texas Educational Broadcast Cooperation (KOOP Radio)
• Texas Public Radio
• The Austin Common
• The Daily Yonder
• The Texas Tribune and Austin Current

Data Snapshot

A look at the Strengthening Local Media to Advance Community Health grant recipients.

We believe that data can serve as an instrument for accountability regarding who we are and who we serve through our investments and programs. Through this data snapshot, we invite you to learn more about the grant recipients of the Strengthening Local Media to Advance Community Health open call and our commitment to health equity.

Note: Organizational demographic data is not a component of the Foundation’s grantmaking rubric and is not used in determining grant eligibility or selection.