About the Program
The California Civic Media Program is a public-private partnership, equally funded by the State of California and Google, to support the work of California’s journalists and strengthen community engagement statewide. The program is guided by regular convenings of the Civic Media Program Advisory Board, and the application process is independently administered.
Mission Statement
Every Californian deserves access to accurate, well-sourced information about their community. By expanding access to local, ethnic, and community media, supporting newsroom sustainability and diversity, and strengthening California’s press corps to reflect the communities it serves, the Civic Media Program aims to close information gaps, empower people to participate in civic life, and build stronger, healthier, more connected communities across the state.
2026 Program Awards
Awards for the inaugural round of the California Civic Media Program have been announced and can be found on the program application website, where you can also read the press release, learn about the guidelines and rubric that informed the review process, and find resources for those seeking more information about their application.
Please also visit the program website to sign up for the latest updates via email, including when the next Civic Media Program Advisory Board meeting will take place and when the next round of the program will run.
What’s Next
2027 Program Guidelines: GO-Biz and the Civic Media Program Advisory Board are in the process of updating program guidelines for the 2027 funding round, expected to run in Summer 2027. If you would like to submit recommendations for those guidelines or feedback on the 2026 funding round, please email GO-Biz at CACivicMedia@gobiz.ca.gov. The current guidelines can be referenced here.
Advisory Board
The Civic Media Program Advisory Board is comprised of nine California news industry leaders who will regularly convene throughout 2026 to inform the approach and guidelines of the program.
Arturo Carmona
President of the Latino Media Collaborative
Latino Media Collaborative Appointment
Chuck Corra
Associate Director of Policy & Advocacy at LION Publishers
LION Publishers Appointment
Erik Cushman
Publisher at Monterey County Weekly
California News Publishers Association Appointment
Julian Do
Co-Director of American Community Media
American Community Media Appointment
Sean Emery
President of the Media Guild of the West & Journalist at SCNG
Media Guild of the West Appointment
Jeff Glasser
General Counsel at the Los Angeles Times
California News Publishers Association Appointment
Marian Kaanon
President and CEO of the Stanislaus Community Foundation
At-Large Appointment
Julie Patel Liss
Head of Journalism, California State University, Los Angeles
At-Large Appointment
Regina Brown Wilson
Executive Director of California Black Media
California Black Media Appointment
Public Meetings and Resources: Advisory Board meetings will be accessible to the public. Meetings and related resources will be posted below in advance.
Key Dates
November 2026: Awards for the 2026 Funding Round Announced
Fall 2026 – Spring 2027: Program Guidelines Development for the 2027 Funding Round
Summer 2027: Expected Application Period for the 2027 Funding Round
Q&A
How was the advisory board selected and when will they meet?
How does the program work and what kinds of organizations qualify for the program?
Who is the third-party administrator for the state funds and how was the organization selected?
te.
Who is the third-party administrator for the private funds?
Google has selected Journalism Funding Partners (JFP) as their third-party administrator. JFP is a national grant making organization with a history of managing multimillion-dollar news and local journalism initiatives. They will work alongside the James B. McClatchy Foundation to distribute private funds in accordance with the state funds, ensuring there will be a unified application and award process. For more information about JFP, please visit their website.
Additional Questions?
For any press inquiries, program recommendation, or questions regarding board meetings, please email GO-Biz staff at CACivicMedia@gobiz.ca.gov. For applicants seeking information about their application or award, please email grants@cacivicmedia.org.
