Q: WHAT IS THE INASMUCH ECOSYSTEM ENGAGEMENT FUND?

A: Thanks to the Oklahoma-based Inasmuch Foundation’s generous support of the OMC’s mission and the recently released groundbreaking ecosystem engagement project report funded by the Kirkpatrick Foundation, we are offering grants for OMC news organizations to execute data-driven projects based on the study’s findings. 

Q: WHO FUNDS?

A: Inasmuch, which launched OMC with the Local Media Association in 2020, is supporting a $100,000 fund for engagement projects for OMC newsrooms to increase trust and support of local news based on the academic study’s findings. The nationally known nonprofit Trusting News will provide office hours, one-on-one coaching and online support to execute measurable, meaningful projects. The first two of the hour-long trainings will be noon Friday, Nov. 17, and noon Friday, Dec. 1, with more training to be announced in 2024. OMC is providing these grants to help news organizations cover the time and financial resources needed to complete the training and projects related to the study.

Q: WHAT IS THE TOTAL GRANT AMOUNT?

A: OMC will distribute a minimum of $100,000 and is hoping to get support beyond this to fund further projects. OMC collaborators are each eligible to apply for one grant, with estimated amounts ranging from a minimum of $7,000 and a maximum of $20,00 each depending on the project’s complexity and the organization’s needs.

Q: WHAT ARE THE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS?

A: Applications must include a brief summary (200-300 words) of the project, how it relates to the ecosystem engagement study, how it fits a training theme (Distribution, Listening or Telling Your Story, which are explained in the training deck starting on Slide 105) and a timeline to completion. Please see this link below to complete the application.

Q: WHAT TO INCLUDE?

A: Be sure to clearly explain the following points in your summary:

1. What is the proposal (what you plan to do and how)?

2. How does your data-driven project move the needle to increase trust and financial support of local news?

3. Timeline of how you plan to execute by the March 31 deadline (launching campaign, partnerships, etc.).

4. Is this something your newsroom has tried before (and why are you trying it again)?

5. What specific resources do you need?

6. Can this project be replicated in other markets?

PAYMENT NOTE: ALL PROJECTS MUST BE COMPLETED BY MARCH 31, 2024, TO RECEIVE THE FULL GRANT AWARD. GRANTEES WILL RECEIVE HALF OF THE FUNDS UP FRONT AND THE OTHER HALF UPON COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT. NOTE: ONGOING PROJECTS THAT EXTEND BEYOND THAT DEADLINE MUST BE PRE-APPROVED BY OMC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ROB COLLINS. AUTHORIZED NEWSROOMS MUST REPORT OUT INITIAL RESULTS BY APRIL 30, 2023.

DEADLINE AND APPLICATION: Please fill out this form to submit your application by Oct. 16, 2023. The cohort will be announced Nov. 3, 2023.