Driving the Future of Local News
The Virginia Local News Project is dedicated to sustaining and growing journalism across Virginia by equipping newsrooms with resources, training the next generation of journalists and readers, and fostering public understanding of the First Amendment. By supporting local news, we strengthen communities and ensure a free press remains a vital cornerstone of democracy.
A Legacy of Supporting Journalism
The Virginia Press Foundation was established in 2013 by the Virginia Press Association Board of Directors as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Created to support and sustain local journalism across Virginia, the foundation built on the VPA’s long-standing commitment to advancing the role of a free press in fostering informed communities. Rebranded to the Virginia Local News Project in 2024, we continue to champion initiatives that strengthen local news and empower the next generation of journalists.
The Virginia Press Foundation is created as a 501c3 with a focus on student journalist training and education.
Mission revised with a new emphasis on technology training.
The VPF board is expanded to include journalism professors from James Madison University and Virginia Commonwealth University.
VPF hosts first Tech Workshop on Google tools and building great newsletters.
VPF gives a grant to Virginia Commonwealth University’s student-run Capital News Service to increase coverage of the Virginia General Assembly.
The VPF Data Journalism Tech Workshop is led by Steven Rich, database editor at The Washington Post.
In partnership with the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, VPF creates the Sierra Jenkins Scholarship in memory of The Virginian-Pilot reporter who is tragically killed in March 2022. The scholarship is for journalism students attending a four-year Virginia college or university.
VPF’s 2023 tech workshop is a Digital Learning Lab with Mike Reilley.
First Sierra Jenkins Scholarships are awarded to students at Old Dominion University and Hollins University.
VPF partners with VCU’s Capital News Service to create an election guide.
The Sierra Jenkins Scholarship for 2024 is awarded to a journalism student at James Madison University.
VPF sponsors a conference session with Danese Kennon, managing editor of visuals at The Philadelphia Inquirer on: Mastering Mobile Visual Storytelling with Your Phone.
VPF changes its name to the Virginia Local News Project and creates a new three-year strategic plan that focuses on transforming and sustaining local news. VPA’s local news and digital initiatives – including the Virginia News Reader and the Digital Accelerator are transferred to VLNP.
On the Pulse of Local News
In 2022, the Virginia Local News Project commissioned a statewide study to provide a quantitative analysis of public attitudes toward Virginia's newspapers, offering valuable insights into how local journalism is perceived across the state. By examining reader engagement, trust levels, and the importance of community news, the report highlights the critical role newspapers play in informing and connecting Virginia’s communities.
Meet the Team
Staff
Betsy Edwards
Executive Director
Steve Weddle
Director of Finance and Administration
Rachel Flaherty
Digital Services Manager
Board of Directors
Anne Adams, President
The Recorder
Gwyn Mellinger, Vice President
James Madison University School of Media Arts and Design
Dennis Brack
Rappahannock News
Matt Paxton
The News-Gazette
Jeff South
Virginia Commonwealth University Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture
Kris Worrell
The Virginian-Pilot/Daily Press
Our Partners & Collaborators
