Big Idea Competition

A shark-tank–style pitch competition designed to surface bold, practical experiments that strengthen Pennsylvania’s local news ecosystem.

The Big Idea Competition is part of the 2026 Keystone News Summit, whose overarching goal is to strengthen, connect, and future-proof local journalism across Pennsylvania. The competition is designed to spotlight ideas that can move quickly from concept to action and generate learning that can inform others working in the state’s news ecosystem.

Proposals should be framed as experiments—projects that test a clear idea, try something new, and generate practical learning.

Finalists will present their ideas during the KNS Big Idea Pitch Competition at the Keystone News Summit (April 15–17, 2026). Pitches will be made to a panel of funders and journalism leaders, followed by Q&A. Finalists will be eligible for cash awards ranging from $5,000–$15,000 to support implementation of winning ideas.

Opportunity offered by:

The Lenfest Institute

Journalism requires new business models, powerful innovations and diverse audiences. The Lenfest Institute is working throughout local news ecosystems, in Philadelphia and beyond, to crack the code on a sustainable…
Online application form
Contact for application information
Opportunity type

Award
Grant

Location(s) where available

Pennsylvania

Minimum grant amount

$5000

Maximum grant amount

$15000

Areas of focus

Local Journalism

Application deadline:
March 18, 2026