IT’S TIME TO
DISCOVER
WHAT’S NEXT
The 2026 Next Challenge will award $250,000 to startups reinventing local journalism.
The Next Challenge for Media & Journalism is the largest competition open to nonprofit and for-profit media startups in the United States.
The Next Challenge isn’t just about funding startups, it’s about accelerating ideas that help local communities stay informed, connected, and engaged.
2026 Awards
$250,000 will be awarded to early-stage startups. Each division winner will receive a grant of up to $50,000, and a Grand Prize winner will receive an additional $25,000.
for Local News Innovation
presented to a groundbreaking news organization that represents a new way forward for local journalism in the United States
for Local News Infrastructure
presented to a technology startup building digital tools to address the critical needs of journalists and local news organizations
for Local Creator Journalism
presented to an independent journalist using emerging digital platforms to strengthen civil discourse in their local community
awarded to a finalist strengthening relationships with low-trust audiences
awarded to a finalist with a bold vision to reinvent media and journalism
New this year, every startup selected as a finalist will receive a $3,000 stipend to compensate for their time and cover travel to the Next Challenge National Awards Celebration at the Media Impact Forum, a conference attended by philanthropic leaders shaping the future of local journalism.
2026 Next Challenge Partners
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"The Next Challenge is the best example we've come across of a complete awards process. The support, time commitment, and even UI of the submission process are all best in class. The sounding board of experts you're connected to also provided us with greater clarity of our go to market strategy. Apply!"
Josh Brandau, CEO & Co-founder, Nota
2024 Grand Prize & NewsTech Award Winner
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"The value of the Next Challenge goes beyond grant money by amplifying our mission to some of the nation's leading news and media organizations and investors. It fuels our commitment to building a platform that equips creators to not only tell their stories, but also to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.”
Michelle Kouri, CEO & Founder, Recordical
2024 Power Platform Award Winner
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“The Next Challenge was a game-changer for Rolli, providing the momentum we needed to secure funding, expand our platform, and forge key industry collaborations. The opportunities it created, both in investment and strategic partnerships, have been instrumental in our growth and impact on the journalism industry.”
Nick Toso, CEO & Founder, Rolli
2023 Next Challenge finalist
Next Challenge Competitions
2022 - 2025
journalism & media startups have applied from
1178
states and U.S. territories.
47
mentors & judges have lent their expertise, and
127
has been given in grants & other awards.
$530k
of all winning startups have been BIPOC and/or female founded.
77.6%
The Next Challenge is a program of Glen Nelson Center at American Public Media Group, which identifies, elevates and invests in emerging media & journalism ventures led by diverse and visionary founders.
To date, Glen Nelson Center has supported the work of 1000+ startups and hundreds of entrepreneurs through investments, competitions, and incubator/accelerator programs.
