⬇ PLUS: scroll down for a roundup of what we’re seeing in the creator journalism space this week.
Project C, in collaboration with The Lenfest Institute for Journalism and the Online News Association, is excited to bring 10 independent journalists working in the creator ecosystem to ONA26 in Chicago this March. Learn more and apply below – but make sure to do it before the Feb. 17th deadline!
In case you missed it, this is year two of our cohort program. Last September, we took ONA by storm with a dynamic group of creators who not only connected with the wider journalism industry, but with each other. Cohort members participate in the wider conference, but we have specific opportunities and workshops lined up just for you, too.
The 2025 Project C Creator Cohort (+ me in the middle and Blair Hickman on the far left): Paul Rivera, Starr Dunigan, Amber Sherman, Hanna Gaber, James Cave, Henok Mengistu, Rivan Dwiastono, Rey Katz and Laura Weffer. (Not pictured: Hanna Raskin)This is more than a free ticket — it's a chance to build community, grow your network, and represent the future of journalism on a national stage.
Cohort members will receive:
A seat in the Project C ONA Creator Cohort
Complimentary ONA26 registration + one-year ONA membership
Up to $1,000 travel/lodging stipend provided by the Lenfest Institute for Journalism
One-year membership in the private Project C Slack Community
A complimentary 1:1 coaching session with a Going Solo instructor
You’ll be expected to:
Attend sessions in the creator-model journalism track
Build a network of fellow independent journalists
Share key takeaways post-event for a Project C newsletter recap
Who we’re looking for
This year, we’re focusing in on U.S.-based creator-model journalists working at the local level to serve their communities. If you're an independent journalist creating original local news content through newsletters, video, podcasts, social media, or another platform — this opportunity is for you.
We're looking for people who are curious, community-minded, and eager to help shape the future of journalism – and who can definitely attend ONA26 in person in Chicago from March 30 - April 1.
Applications are due February 17th. Let's show up for each other — and for the future of journalism!
🔥 the latest things
📌 With some early reports about changes to TikTok’s algorithms and policies since the US spinoff took effect (see below), Justin Bank writes we can build a better internet for ourselves. Right now.
📌 In a NiemanLab interview, Canadian creator J.J. McCullough says he’s earning a six-figure income that supports a “middle-class lifestyle.”
📌 ICYMI, the Reuters Institute shared their survey results/predictions for media and technology trends in 2026. Of note: Publishers (70% surveyed) are worried about audiences’ shifting attention to creators and many are focused on how to develop their own creator strategies:
📌 Steal this move: Local News International recently shared their (first) annual list of funders, modeling something Project C & Trusting News strongly encourage - transparency around funding.
What’s coming up at Project C!
Each month, we bring members of the Project C Community at least one, but usually more, live events. Here’s what’s coming up:
🚀 Friday, Feb 6 | Fundraising Series, Part 2: Making the Ask - Join Marcia Parker and Nick Swyter of the New York Times' Philanthropic Partnerships team for an introduction to philanthropic funding and sponsors. This time, they’ll speak directly to pitches and proposals. | MEMBERS ONLY!
🚀 Monday, Feb 9 | Writing for Transparency & Trust - Television Critics Association president (and independent journalist) Andy Dehnert leads a workshop to help you to use more transparent, human language without sacrificing fairness.| MEMBERS ONLY!
🚀 Friday, Feb 27 | Fundraising Series, Part 3: Managing A Grant-Funded Project - Join Marcia Parker and Nick Swyter of the New York Times' Philanthropic Partnerships team for an introduction to philanthropic funding and sponsors. This time, we’ll concentrate on what happens after you get the grant. | MEMBERS ONLY!
To get access to these events and the Project C Slack community, join here!
Join the Project C Community!
If you’re ready to go deeper and connect with 130+ other creator-model journalists building their own stand-alone ventures, $39/month gets you into the growing Project C Slack community, access to our best resources and exclusive invites to monthly members-only events.
