Catalyst Award

for Local News Innovation

supported by:

The ***Catalyst* *Award*** for Local News Innovation will be presented to a groundbreaking news organization that represents a new way forward for local journalism in the United States.

Division finalists will receive a $3,000 stipend, and the division winner will receive a grant of up to $50,000. All division winners are eligible for an additional $25,000 Grand Prize Award.

In this division, judges will look for startups that:

reimagine news delivery, with proven strategies for reaching new audiences with high-quality, trustworthy content

have demonstrated impact by providing trustworthy news and information to their local community
(defined as a geographic area)

present a replicable model through a set of best practices that can be applied in other communities

Catalyst Award for Local Journalism Innovation
Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria

Eligibility

Legally incorporated for-profit and non-profit media startups based in the United States of America and U.S. Territories.

A venture is considered U.S.-based if it is legally incorporated in the U.S. and if the majority of employees and/or contractors live in the United States.
Projects with a fiscal sponsor may apply only if the project is intended to become its own independent company or nonprofit organization. The project may not be a program, lab, center, research initiative, or internal venture of a university, nonprofit, or company.

Legally incorporated no more than ten years prior to the application deadline (no earlier than March 10, 2016).
Earned less than US $1,000,000 (gross revenue including philanthropic support) in the twelve months ending December 31, 2025. This does not include investment dollars.
Ventures that are (1) launched and/or actively publishing and (2) are able to provide access to their content, product, or service as part of their application.

Previous Next Challenge Division Award winners and companies where American Public Media Group (APMG) has an ownership stake are not eligible to apply. Refer to the official rules for detailed eligibility requirements.

Evaluation Criteria

(30%) Division Fit: Does the venture present a replicable model or set of best practices for reimagining local news delivery? Does the venture offer proven strategies for reaching new audiences with high-quality, trustworthy content?

(20%) Innovation: Is this an innovative idea? Does the startup propose a novel, disruptive or unique business concept?

(20%) Audience Impact: Does the startup have a well-defined target market? Will this venture have a significant positive impact on its intended audience?

(20%) Business Model: Does the plan indicate how the product/service will be distributed, have a realistic revenue and pricing model, and demonstrate potential to grow sustainably? Is there evidence that the business concept works?