GNI State Sustainability Accelerators
Local news organizations are essential to informed communities and a functioning democracy. But building a sustainable future takes more than strong reporting — it requires deep support, strategic focus, and collaborative momentum.
That’s why the Google News Initiative, Blue Engine, and local partners in five states are teaming up to launch the GNI State Sustainability Accelerators — programs designed to help independent local news organizations grow audiences, diversify revenue, and build a stronger foundation for long-term success.
Ready to grow?
Learn more about eligibility.
Our Partners
We’re proud to launch five state-based Accelerators beginning in summer 2025:
Colorado — in partnership with Colorado News Collaborative (COLab)
New Jersey — in partnership with New Jersey Civic Information Consortium
New Mexico — in partnership with New Mexico Local News Fund
North Carolina — in partnership with North Carolina Local
Pennsylvania — in partnership with PA NewsMedia Association
Each Accelerator is tailored to the needs and goals of participating news organizations in that state, while grounded in Blue Engine’s proven methodology for transformational growth.
About the Program
From Summer 2025 to Spring 2026, participating teams will move through a clear, supportive structure designed to drive meaningful gains in sustainability:
Phase 1:
Set the stage via a:
Welcome session
1:1 coaching kickoff
Sustainability baseline assessment
Custom audits for audience, product, and revenue
Phase 2:
Challenge #1 — a focused 12-week sprint on a core pillar of sustainability (e.g. audience growth, engagement, product strategy)
Phase 3:
Challenge #2 — a second 12-week sprint tailored to your newsroom’s next biggest opportunity (e.g. revenue diversification, funnel optimization)
Phase 4:
Reflect + Project:
Final sustainability check-in
Peer sharing and planning for the future
How it works
Each set of participants will receive a powerful mix of guidance, coaching, and collaboration:
Two 1:1 coaching calls per month with a dedicated Blue Engine coach
9 virtual cohort-wide sessions on key strategies and case studies
Occasional peer-group meetups for collaboration and shared problem-solving
Hands-on audits and expert consultations in audience, product, and revenue
A sustainability scorecard to measure growth and guide decision-making
Whether your newsroom is big or small, legacy or startup, nonprofit or for-profit — this program meets you where you are and helps you build what’s next.
Who Can Apply
Applications are still being accepted from local news organizations based in Colorado, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and North Carolina that:
Serve local community with original journalism
Are committed to improving long-term sustainability
Are eager to learn, experiment, and collaborate
Download the full terms and conditions here.