A coalition of 10 funders announced the launch of Press Forward Chicago with early commitments nearing $10 million to strengthen and sustain local news organizations and ensure Chicago’s diverse residents have access to multiple sources of reliable news and information. The initiative will offer civic-minded individuals, philanthropic leaders, and regional foundations the opportunity to pool their dollars to support a robust network of independent news outlets. Around the country, community news funds are being established to reverse the dramatic decline in local news that has coincided with an increasingly divided America and weakening trust in institutions. The Chicago region has access to a robust and diverse news ecosystem comprised of small independent news outlets focused on innovative approaches to community reporting. Yet, many of these outlets are underfunded or lack the resources necessary to ensure continued success and adaptability.  A local coalition of public and private sector funders has committed to supporting Press Forward Chicago. Initial contributors are the MacArthur Foundation, The Chicago Community Trust, Amy Falls and Hartley Rogers Foundation, Christie Hefner, Democracy Fund, Field Foundation, The Joyce Foundation, Knight Foundation, Polk Bros. Foundation, and the Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation. Press Forward Chicago partners will come together to pool and allocate resources, providing grants to independent news outlets. For more information, Press Forward Chicago welcomes and continues to invite additional funders to enhance nonprofit and for-profit news and information.