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.
A $50,000 grant has been awarded to pilot a high school wrestling reporting initiative. This one-year beta will engage students from 10 schools, with one student reporter each semester producing articles for local news outlets. Supported by English or journalism teachers, the program helps teen writers strengthen reporting and storytelling skills while contributing original coverage and playing an active role in the future of 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.
Donate to Press Forward PA Wilds Our Service Area
Founding Supporters
We are grateful to the individuals and families who have made early investments in this work. Several donors have chosen to remain anonymous.
$175,000 – Press Forward National Catalyst Grant
$50,000 – Anonymous
$25,000 – Anonymous
$15,000 – Anonymous
$10,000 (pledge) – Blake and Linda Gall
$5,000 – Anonymous
Additional Resources
Meet JSX
What if finding the right support for your newsroom was as simple as telling us what you need?
Welcome to JSX.news a navigation hub built to help local newsrooms quickly connect with the best tools, partners, and resources in today’s crowded support ecosystem. Instead of spending hours searching for funding opportunities, legal guidance, tech solutions, or engagement strategies, we help you find what fits fast so you can focus on what matters most: the story, your community, and the impact your journalism makes.
Copyright 2025 Press Forward Pennsylvania Wilds
Led by Centre Foundation | Knight Foundation Grantee | Press Forward Chapter