Founded in 2016 by H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest, the Institute was created to advance sustainable solutions for local journalism. Lenfest, a cable television entrepreneur and former owner of The Philadelphia Inquirer, donated his ownership of the paper and provided an initial $20 million endowment to launch the Institute. With additional support from donors, the Institute has since grown into a national leader in helping local news organizations innovate, strengthen their business operations, and in turn, better serve their communities.
“The Lenfest Institute is deeply aligned with PNA’s mission to strengthen Pennsylvania’s news ecosystem,” said Tristan Loper, Head of National Programs at the Lenfest Institute.
“We share the belief that every community deserves access to trusted, independent local journalism, and we see our partnership with PNA as a natural way to connect, collaborate, and support publishers in Pennsylvania who make that vision a reality.”
The Institute provides grant funding, advising, and practical resources that help local publishers—including for-profit organizations—develop new initiatives, adapt to technological change, and create innovative models for sustainable journalism. Signature initiatives include Beyond Print, which helps newspapers transition from print-dependent business models to a profitable digital future. The Institute also convenes Communities of Practice that offer training and peer-to-peer learning in areas such as philanthropic fundraising, audience development, AI, and more.
“Through our programs, we’re committed to helping independent local news organizations thrive,” Loper added. “This year alone, we expect to provide more than $800,000 in grant funding, along with access to Communities of Practice and one-on-one advising. These resources—paired with the insights we’ve gained from supporting publishers nationwide—are designed to help news organizations like the members of PNA build sustainable businesses and continue serving their communities for the long term.”