Catalyzing Local News and Information for a Stronger Pennsylvania
Across Pennsylvania, local newsrooms are disappearing. The loss of trusted local journalism weakens civic engagement, fuels misinformation, and disconnects neighbors from one another. We envision a Pennsylvania Wilds where everyone feels informed and connected—because when local news thrives, so do our communities.
What is Press Forward, PA Wilds?
Centre Foundation has launched Press Forward PA Wilds, a regional chapter of the national Press Forward movement, to help reverse the decline of local news across nine counties in the PA Wilds.
To build lasting support, Press Forward PA Wilds is leading a $400,000 local match campaign to establish an endowment dedicated to sustaining local news.
Join the Movement: Support Local News Today!
By mobilizing philanthropy and community voices, we aim to:
- Empower local reporters and emerging journalists
- Build sustainable funding for public media
- Fill critical gaps of reporter coverage across nine counties
- Support rural communities with access to reliable, relevant information
- Empower local voices and stories that matter
Collaboration.
As a new chapter, Press Forward PA Wilds has been actively connecting with other chapters to exchange ideas and learn best practices for strengthening local news ecosystems. The team has also begun building relationships with funders and partners who share a commitment to supporting trusted, community-led journalism across rural Pennsylvania.
Experimentation.
Press Forward PA Wilds has applied for a $20,000 grant to inspire high school students to produce youth-focused news covering topics such as healthcare, education, and community concerns. If selected to submit a full proposal next year, this initiative would empower teen writers across the PA Wilds region to expand their storytelling skills and play an active role in shaping the future of local journalism.
Transformation.
Joy Vincent-Killian, Director of the Press Forward PA Wilds Chapter, has connected with more than 160 residents across the region to learn what they need from their local news. By listening to communities and identifying stories that go untold, Joy is helping to bridge the gap between residents, journalists, and donors. Through these conversations, Press Forward is sparking a transformation—strengthening trust, amplifying local voices, and building a more resilient, community-led news ecosystem across the PA Wilds.
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Copyright 2025 Press Forward Pennsylvania Wilds
Led by Centre Foundation | Knight Foundation Grantee | Press Forward Chapter