Strengthening Local News, Strengthening Community
By the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation team
October 28, 2025 — At the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, we believe that informed communities are engaged communities. Local information strengthens every investment in our region, because when we understand the challenges and opportunities around us, we can take meaningful action.
Through the NEW News Lab, local reporting has deepened our community’s understanding of critical issues like housing, childcare, and education, giving all of us the insights needed to invest where it matters most. There is a direct link between trusted information and impactful philanthropy.
Last week, we had the privilege of welcoming Dale Anglin, Director of Press Forward, Silvia Rivera, Director of Local News, at the MacArthur Foundation, and Hugh Dellios, Journalism Program Officer at the Joyce Foundation, to speak at the Wisconsin Philanthropy Network Conference and meet with our Board of Directors.
Their visit was thought-provoking and energizing. Hearing how communities across the country are working to strengthen local news reminded us that we’re part of something much bigger. Across the nation, people are finding innovative ways to fill gaps and prove that local news can remain a trusted, daily connection point for their communities.
And we’re proud to say they came here to highlight and support what’s already happening in Northeast Wisconsin.
While many communities are just beginning this journey, Northeast Wisconsin is building momentum. Through the NEW News Lab — our partnerships with the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, local news outlets, and national funders — we’ve created one of the most collaborative local news pilots in the country. Reports have been shared by more than 125 news organizations, reaching an audience of over 23 million people.
Our conversation with Dale and Hugh reaffirmed that local news is a public good. It is just as essential to a healthy community as parks, schools, or libraries. It’s valuable, and it needs our support.
That’s why we’re joining a much larger effort.
Press Forward Northeast Wisconsin is one of more than 40 chapters nationwide. Being part of this national movement allows us to learn alongside others while sharing what’s working here at home. It’s an opportunity to align local innovation with national momentum, ensuring what is built is sustainable and scalable.
At the Foundation, our work has always been rooted in connection; linking people, ideas, and resources to strengthen our community. Supporting local news fits naturally within that mission.
When people know what’s happening in their neighborhoods, schools, and local governments, they’re empowered to act. They can get involved, provide support, lend a hand, or raise a voice.
And for us, that’s what community is all about.
Learn more:
Reimagining Local News is a documentary series featuring journalist and author Charles Blow, spotlighting the people and models driving the renewal of local news. Through a powerful series of short documentaries, this project reveals what’s working and how solutions are at our fingertips.
Connect:
Contact Amber Paluch to explore how your organization can align with efforts to strengthen local news.
Support:
Contact Annie Dart to invest in this initiative.
