2026 Grantmaking: Announcing Recipients of “Strengthening Local Media to Advance Community Health” Funding Opportunity

Earlier this year, St. David’s Foundation launched an open call funding opportunity to support local media organizations and community-centered journalism, with a focus on strengthening coverage of health and social issues impacting Central Texans—particularly those experiencing the greatest health disparities.

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 concerns.

The Foundation received 62 letters of intent in response to this open call. Each submission was carefully reviewed to ensure eligibility and alignment with the goals of community-centered journalism. After the initial review, 41 organizations were invited to submit full applications. Ultimately, the “Strengthening Local Media to Advance Community Health” initiative awarded over $3M in grants to 21 organizations to deepen local coverage of health and social issues in Central Texas.

“We believe in the power of community-informed journalism led by organizations that are deeply rooted in and trusted by the people they serve,” said Regan Gruber Moffit, VP of Community Investments at St. David’s Foundation. “The dynamic media outlets that are receiving grants as part of this funding opportunity are not just reporting on communities, they are elevating the voices and lived experiences of Central Texans most impacted by health inequities. Their work ensures that the stories, challenges, and strengths of these communities are seen, heard, and valued.”

The grants were awarded to a wide-ranging group of community media organizations in Central Texas. The news sector has experienced a significant decline, with over 200 Texas newspapers closing since 2005, and the recent federal funding cuts for public radio and broadcasting. As a result, many counties are left without reliable local news sources, creating “news deserts” with limited access to credible information about decisions impacting daily life.

Together, the media organizations in this grant cohort will continue to build trust with audiences in their community and strengthen equity-focused, community-informed local health-related reporting. It is worth noting that 81% of the organizations are receiving a grant for the first time from the Foundation.

This investment supports work aligned with the Foundation’s Civic Health funding priority and advances 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.

More details on the “Strengthening Local Media to Advance Community Health” open call, including a data snapshot and a full list of grantees, are available 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