Investigate Midwest chosen for Illinois nonprofit journalism sustainability lab

The nonprofit newsroom joins 12 other Illinois media outlets in the Local Media Association cohort, aimed at building diverse revenue models to ensure long-term, impactful investigative reporting.

Investigate Midwest has been selected to join a cohort of the Local Media Association Lab for Journalism Funding – an intensive, six-month program aimed at strengthening financial sustainability for nonprofit newsrooms.

Executive Director Erin Orr will represent Investigate Midwest as one of only 13 newsrooms chosen for this cohort, which kicks off in April.

"I was invited to apply because of the excellent work our newsroom produces and our growing profile," Orr said. "This is an incredible opportunity to refine our approach to audience engagement and funding, particularly as we expand our membership program and look for sustainable ways to grow our reach."

Investigate Midwest will collaborate with other nonprofit news organizations, such as Capitol News Illinois, Chicago Public Media, and the Illinois Answers Project across Illinois to explore best practices for revenue generation, including donor engagement, audience development, and membership strategies. The LMA Lab for Journalism Funding provides hands-on guidance and coaching to help nonprofit newsrooms build diverse funding models beyond grants.

"At a time when independent watchdog journalism is critical, this opportunity helps ensure our newsroom can continue holding powerful agricultural corporations and institutions accountable through rigorous, data-driven reporting."

Erin orr, executive director of investigate midwest

The Illinois cohort includes a diverse range of nonprofit news organizations, all focused on creating sustainable funding models that support high-quality journalism.

The other news organizations selected are:

The cohort is made possible with support from Google News Initiative and is in partnership with the Medill Local News Initiative.For more details on the cohort, click here.