The Greater Green Bay Community Foundation is proud to announce the launch of Press Forward Northeast (NE) Wisconsin, part of Press Forward Locals—a growing national network of 36 chapters working to revitalize local news. This new effort brings national funding and momentum to Northeast Wisconsin to build a stronger, more sustainable future for local journalism.

Press Forward is a national movement to strengthen communities by reinvigorating local news and information. A coalition of funders has committed more than $500 million to closing longstanding gaps in journalism coverage, advancing public policy that expands access to local news, and scaling the infrastructure the sector needs to thrive. The Greater Green Bay Community Foundation secured a $175,000 catalyst grant to establish the NE Wisconsin chapter.

Press Forward NE Wisconsin builds on a foundation of strong collaborative reporting established by the Northeast Wisconsin Journalism Initiative and the NEW News Lab. While the NEW News Lab focuses on delivering impactful, in-depth local coverage, Press Forward NE Wisconsin works to ensure that kind of journalism can thrive for the long term—strengthening the entire local news ecosystem through strategic partnerships, coordinated fundraising, and capacity-building. The Foundation serves as a convener and connector, aligning national investment with local commitment to keep that momentum growing.

“When people have access to reliable news, they can understand issues and help shape solutions,” said Dennis Buehler, President & CEO of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation. “By leading Press Forward NE Wisconsin, we help to ensure that everyone has access to the information and ideas that spark innovation and create lasting change.”

The first phase of the NEW News Lab’s in-depth reporting on health, education, housing, and community demographics was shared by more than 125 news organizations and reached an estimated audience of over 23 million people. As part of Press Forward Locals, Press Forward NE Wisconsin will unite donors, foundations, and community partners to expand the group’s resources for advancing local news. By being closest to their communities, local chapters identify local approaches, rally supporters around a shared vision, and create strategies that reflect the unique needs of their region.

With support from the Press Forward grant, Jess Adams, director of partnerships for Northeast Wisconsin at Wisconsin Watch, is serving as the Chapter’s lead. Early priorities include:

• Creating a landscape study led by the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay to identify gaps in local media.
• Convening partners and donors to build a shared vision for strengthening local news.
• Growing the fundraising capacity needed for long-term sustainability.

The Community Foundation invites community members, donors, and local leaders to join them in supporting and sustaining local news.

“The catalyst grant allows us to launch Press Forward NE Wisconsin, but it’s local investment that will carry it forward,” said Buehler. “When we invest in local news, we’re not just funding journalism—we’re investing in stronger connections, better solutions, and a more engaged community.”

Anyone interested in learning more about Press Forward NE Wisconsin and ways to support it can contact the Foundation’s team at (920) 432-0800 or by emailing ggbcf@ggbcf.org.