Presented in partnership with Bank of America, the series focuses on topics that reflect the day-to-day realities nonprofit organizations face, from local partnerships and media visibility to donor engagement and long-term resilience.

The series opened on January 30 with Let’s Get Local: Building Relationships with Businesses in Your Neighborhood, hosted by Golden Globe Foundation member Katherine Tulich and moderated by Golden Globe Foundation Grants Program Officer Sandra Cuneo. Panelists included Blanca Aguirre, Senior Vice President for Community Relations at Bank of America, Evan Edwards, Chief Operating Officer of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, Larry Laboe, Executive Director of NewFilmmakers Los Angeles, and Gilbert Radillo, Senior Director of Engagement at A Place Called Home. Together, they explored how nonprofit organizations can develop authentic relationships with local businesses and community partners to strengthen visibility, collaboration, and long-term support.

On February 27, the second workshop, How to Create a Compelling News Pitch, was hosted by Golden Globe Foundation member Henry Arnaud and moderated by Katie Kornfield, founder and president of Katie Kornfield Communications. Journalists Sarah Pilla of Spectrum News 1 SoCal, Gabe Schneider of LA Public Press, and Suzanne Levy of LAist shared insight into how newsrooms operate, what makes a story newsworthy, and how nonprofits can prepare materials that help their work reach broader audiences.

The series continues on March 27 with Making Meaningful Donor Relationships, focusing on how organizations can deepen engagement with supporters through trust, communication, and shared purpose.

The final session, Future-Proofing Your Organization: Tales from the Front Line, on April 24, will examine how nonprofit leaders can adapt to change while remaining grounded in mission and community impact.

What continues to distinguish the workshop series is the range of perspectives in the room: organizations serving different communities and missions learning side by side, exchanging ideas, and building relationships that often continue beyond a single session.

Through this series, the Foundation extends its support beyond grant funding by creating practical learning opportunities that help nonprofit organizations grow stronger and more connected.

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The evening will look back at Zhao’s remarkable creative journey, from her Screenwriting Lab project Songs My Brothers Taught Me to her Golden Globe winning Nomadland, and now to her newest feature, Hamnet, starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley. The conversation will explore her evolution as a storyteller and the creative independence that has defined her work.

For more than 40 years, Film Independent has championed artists who drive creativity and innovation in film and television. Its mission is to foster a culture of inclusion and to support a global community of artists and audiences who embody diversity, curiosity, and distinct vision.

The Golden Globe Foundation has provided longstanding support to Film Independent Presents, which offers audiences unique, year round cinematic experiences through screenings, conversations, and special events in Los Angeles, New York City, and online. The Foundation also supports Project Involve, Film Independent’s flagship artist development program. Now in its 33rd year, the nine month program provides mentorship, hands on production experience, and professional development to emerging filmmakers from underrepresented communities, helping build a more inclusive and equitable industry.

Project Involve alumni have gone on to shape today’s cultural landscape, including Lulu Wang, Jon M. Chu, Andrew Ahn, and Effie T. Brown, among many others whose work continues to resonate across film and television.

In addition, the Golden Globe Foundation underwrites hundreds of Film Independent Memberships each year, expanding access to educational programs, screenings, and professional resources for emerging creatives recommended by Foundation grantees.

Through this sustained partnership, the Foundation remains committed to expanding opportunity, fostering mentorship, and championing artists whose unique voices help move the industry forward.

Tickets for An Evening With… Chloé Zhao are available through Film Independent. Tickets are free for FI Members.

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When the January 2025 wildfires forced nonstop breaking news coverage in Los Angeles, two familiar faces sat side by side at the NBC4 News anchor desk. Camilla Rambaldi, a general assignment reporter, delivered critical updates when the region needed clear information and calm voices. Sitting with her was weekend evening anchor and reporter Jonathan Gonzalez, not just a trusted colleague but a fellow CSUN alumnus she first knew as a Matador.

It is a full circle moment that feels made for a CSUN Success Story. Rambaldi (Journalism) and Gonzalez (Broadcast Journalism) both earned their degrees at CSUN in 2013 and built their skills through hands on opportunities that helped launch their careers in competitive newsrooms. Now, their paths have converged again in Los Angeles at NBC4, showing how a CSUN education can turn curiosity into experience and prepare Matadors to serve their communities when it matters most.

Long before they shared the NBC4 anchor desk, both traced their drive toward broadcast journalism to something personal. “I never thought I’d ever work in TV news. It’s honestly still interesting to me that I do,” Gonzalez said, tracing his start to “just a natural curiosity for history, politics and current events.” He said he began building his skills at College of the Canyons, where he learned to “use a camera, edit video and write,” and it was not until his journalism instructor and mentor “told me I might have a future in front of the camera” that he began to believe it. “Why CSUN? Because it was the perfect transition for me coming out of a wonderful community college,” Gonzalez said, adding that CSUN “was much more affordable than other journalism schools in Los Angeles.”

For Rambaldi, the spark came early and never left. “Ever since I was a little girl, I always knew I wanted to explore a future career in communications and use my voice,” she said, remembering how she created her own “mini broadcast” at home by reading magazines out loud and highlighting current events. When she began researching colleges, Rambaldi said she discovered CSUN’s journalism program and “its emphasis on broadcast news,” and she was “intrigued by the program’s options and the hands on practice it offered.” “My gut told me I was making the right choice,” Rambaldi said.

At CSUN, both said they were able to develop the foundations they still use on the job. “My absolute favorite thing to tell CSUN students is that the very same journalism skills I learned while in school I still use today,” Gonzalez said. “From broadcast-style writing, filming and editing video, writing articles and performing on camera … those skills are still in use every single day on the anchor desk and in the field.” Rambaldi said CSUN taught her how to build a story from start to finish, from “developing a story pitch” to editing the final package. She recalled “spending hours in Manzanita 150” reworking her pieces “until everything flowed and made sense” because she knew “the work could end up on my reel” and help her stand out in a competitive industry.

As for where they gained the most hands on practice at CSUN, both pointed to experiences that put them in real newsroom mode. Gonzalez said he anchored live radio news each day and produced, reported and anchored for Valley View News – CSUN’s weekly student newscast – filming, editing and writing along the way, then added internships at local TV stations to learn how TV news operates. Rambaldi also cited Valley View News as her most hands on experience and carried that training into an assignment desk internship at KABC7, where she answered phones, called sources for news updates and shadowed reporters building stories on deadline.

When asked about a story they are most proud of, both pointed to reporting that resulted in lasting impact. Rambaldi reflected on the January 2025 wildfires, saying she anchored her “first non-stop breaking news coverage broadcast at KNBC with fellow CSUN alumnus and colleague Jonathan Gonzalez,” and that “providing the crucial information and updates for our viewers during some of the darkest hours is something I’m most proud of.” Gonzalez pointed to his reporting on Bruce’s Beach, a beachfront property in Manhattan Beach that was taken from a Black couple, Charles and Willa Bruce, through eminent domain by the city in 1924. In 2022, Los Angeles County agreed to return the property to the Bruces’ descendants, and Gonzalez covered the nearly 100-year effort to correct that injustice. “We raised awareness of the story and efforts to return the land to the Bruce family,” he said, which “actually happened several years after our story aired.”

Looking back at their first days on campus, both offered the perspective they wish every current Matador could carry with them. “If I could go back in time, I’d remind that 17-year-old me that it’s okay to fail and start again,” Rambaldi said. Gonzalez echoed that encouragement with a reminder to stay present through the pressure. “Enjoy the ride,” he said. “College is tough. Journalism is even tougher. So, pause and be grateful every now and then. You’re lucky to be right where you are.”

Their paths began at CSUN and now meet again at NBC4, serving Los Angeles with the skills they built as Matadors. Where could your CSUN journey lead? Learn more about applying to become a Matador.

Read more from Caliornia State University at CSUN Newsroom.

The post CSUN Success Story: Camilla Rambaldi and Jonathan Gonzalez From Classmates to Colleagues at NBC4 News appeared first on Golden Globe Foundation.

The IWMF’s awards highlight work happening across reporting, photojournalism, and newsroom leadership at a time when press freedom remains under threat. UNESCO reports that 73 percent of women journalists surveyed have experienced online violence as a result of their reporting. These pressures intersect with harassment, threats, government oppression, accusations of fake news, and a persistent mistrust of the media. The IWMF’s awards honor those who continue reporting in spite of these conditions and affirm that journalists cannot be silenced.

Courage in Journalism Awards

For more than 35 years, the Courage in Journalism Awards have recognized journalists who demonstrate bravery, persistence, and resilience in the face of adversity. Honorees are selected for their willingness to report on taboo topics, challenge power, and uncover difficult truths.

Nominations for the 2026 Courage in Journalism Awards are open until February 1, 2026. Self-nominations are not accepted. Submissions are made through Submittable.

The Courage in Journalism Awards initiative also includes the Wallis Annenberg Justice for Women Journalists Award, which highlights women journalists who are detained, jailed, or imprisoned. These cases often receive brief global attention at the time of arrest but fade from public awareness as new crises emerge. Sustained visibility is critical to ensuring safety and accountability.

To date, the Courage in Journalism Awards have honored more than one hundred journalists across fifty-six countries.

Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award

Applications for the 2026 Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award are open until March 31, 2026.

This award was created to honor Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press photographer Anja Niedringhaus (1965 to 2014), who was killed while reporting in Afghanistan. Established in 2014 with a one million dollar gift from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, the award recognizes women and nonbinary photojournalists whose work illuminates the realities of war, genocide, and humanitarian crisis. The award acknowledges the importance of visual journalism that inspires action and deepens public understanding of global events.

The winner will be publicly honored, have work showcased, and receive a 20,000 USD cash prize. Self-nominations are accepted and full guidelines are available through Picter.

Gwen Ifill Award

Nominations for the 2026 Gwen Ifill Award are open until April 30, 2026.

The Gwen Ifill Award was established to honor the legendary PBS NewsHour anchor who passed away in 2016. Gwen Ifill was among the most respected journalists of her generation, and a trailblazer whose leadership, mentorship, and advocacy expanded space for diverse perspectives in American media.

The award is open to journalists working in the United States and recognizes a recipient whose work reflects Ifill’s professional legacy and lived experience. Criteria include outstanding achievement in journalism, a demonstrated commitment to mentorship and leadership, and a dedication to representation in the field. Beginning in 2024, each Gwen Ifill awardee receives a cash prize courtesy of The UTA Foundation.

The most recent recipient, Errin Haines, serves as co-founder and editor-at-large of The 19th, is a political contributor to MSNBC, and is vice president of print for the National Association of Black Journalists.

Gwen Ifill once described her purpose as a journalist in the following terms:

“I was drawn to journalism because of the need to be the necessary voice – not to force my opinions on others but to broaden the stage for the debate.”

How to Apply and Learn More

Submission platforms vary by award and include Submittable and Picter. Some opportunities allow self-nomination while others require nomination by an editor, mentor, or peer. Full guidelines, eligibility criteria, and nomination links are available on the IWMF website under Awards.

https://www.iwmf.org/our-awards

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After a pre-pandemic stint in community college, Ezra Balcha worked part-time as a landscaper for the Los Angeles parks department. He ate fast during his 30-minute lunch breaks so he had time to work on screenplays. At the Cheviot Hills park, just outside Fox studios, he filled notebook after notebook, never believing he could do anything with those stories. 

For one thing, he didn’t have the time or energy to pursue such a career, while working and taking care of his elderly parents. He also didn’t see many people from Ethiopia in Hollywood. Still, his family and girlfriend urged him to try. So he applied to California State University, Northridge’s cinema and television arts film program in 2023. 

Fast forward to late 2025, when Balcha, now 29, wrapped production on his CSUN senior capstone film, “The Beat of Our Souls.” It’s about an Ethiopian couple living with disabilities who join a dance therapy class to heal their marriage. It was inspired by his parents. 

Balcha’s dream of making a movie got a boost from a high-profile supporter in the industry. The Golden Globe Foundation, the philanthropic successor to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, provided him with a scholarship and some funding for his project. 

“Their support has been world-changing,” Balcha said. “The film that I just finished shooting right now with my cohort is about the resilient love that my parents had for one another over the course of some life-altering life events. It’s inspired by them, and it’s a powerful love story from a subgroup in my community that’s never been seen before. And a great reason that it was made was the money that I got from the Golden Globe Foundation.”

It was a vote of confidence he didn’t expect, delivered by an organization that has supported CSUN and its students for three decades. In 2026, CSUN is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its first philanthropic gift from the Golden Globe Foundation. Their annual support includes a $2 million gift in 2015 for technology upgrades and scholarships. Hundreds of students from the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication‘s film, television and journalism programs have benefited from nearly $4 million in total support, creating life-changing opportunities. 

“The Golden Globe Foundation has been a tremendous partner for the Mike Curb College at CSUN in supporting young filmmakers and journalists to realize their goal of making an impact,” said Dan Hosken, dean of the Mike Curb College. “Media and entertainment need the voices of our students now more than ever, and the support from the Golden Globe Foundation is helping to make that a reality.”

Investing in Dreams

The Golden Globe Foundation has provided opportunities including scholarships, funding for senior film productions, and upgrades to production equipment that help students learn on industry-standard equipment. CSUN’s CTVA and journalism programs align with the foundation’s mission to support students from underrepresented communities in the worlds of film and journalism. 

“The Golden Globe Foundation has long supported education in the arts and journalism to give access for students who could not otherwise find roles in those industries,” said Gregory Goeckner, CEO of the Golden Globe Foundation, who joined the CSUN Foundation Board of Directors in 2025. “CSUN’s film and television and journalism programs have been a key part of our philanthropy program for almost 30 years and are looked on as cornerstones of our program. We are delighted to see each year the award-winning films and journalism produced by students in those programs and to follow the careers of their many successful graduates.”

As part of the Golden Globe Fellows program, thousands of dollars go toward senior film projects, which teach students to navigate the entire filmmaking process, from script to screen. Senior film projects frequently cost $30,000 and sometimes much more. CSUN makes eight senior films a year, and about 25 students work on each film. 

The college awards several Golden Globe scholarships each year for talented undergrad film production and MFA screenwriting students. In total, about 300 students have been helped with Golden Globe scholarships or film production fellowships over the years. 

Students who benefited from Golden Globe support have gone on to work throughout the film and TV industries, including as executives, in production and post-production, and in writers’ rooms on numerous projects. Alumni who received support for senior projects include Michelle Mizner ’07 (CTVA – film), who went on to win an Oscar after producing and editing “20 Days in Mariupol,” which won “Best Documentary Feature” in 2024, and Arielle Kilker ’11 (CTVA – film production), who won two Emmys for her work on the Netflix docuseries “Cheer.” 

The foundation has also invested to keep the film program current with the latest technology, including editing equipment and sound technology such as tools for Dolby Atmos immersive sound, ADR (dialogue) dubbing and sound effects. A few years ago, the TV studio upgraded to high-definition cameras and an enhanced control room. An endowment ensures that equipment can be upgraded in perpetuity. 

“The Golden Globe Foundation is allowing our students, who are mostly from working class backgrounds, to not only have dreams of making films, but to make those dreams reality,” said cinema and television arts professor Nate Thomas, head of CSUN’s film option. “Their support has allowed us to make it so that making films isn’t just for the privileged, it’s for anybody who has a story to tell. And our students have diverse stories to tell.”

The Golden Globe Foundation also made a critical impact in CSUN’s Department of Journalism, which prepares students for English and/or Spanish-language journalism, broadcast media, and public relations. In addition to scholarships, the foundation supported a student reporting trip to Uvalde, Texas, which in 2022 was the site of one of America’s deadliest school shootings. The student-produced stories and photos resulted in an award-winning Sundial project. 

CSUN also maintains a relationship with the Golden Globes LLC, the organization that now puts on the annual TV and film awards ceremony. For more than 10 years, CTVA students have assisted at the show as externs, and social media and fashion specialists. For the third year in a row, two CSUN students will work on stage as trophy presenters at the Jan. 11 ceremony. 

“Getting to be there solidified my love for this and how I want to be involved in every aspect of entertainment,” Nikolet Ocampo, a senior CTVA major (film production), said after presenting at the 2025 ceremony. “I feel so lucky to be a film student at CSUN.”

Making a Difference

In spring 2026, Balcha will be in post-production on his senior film, editing it down to its final form. He’s also completing his first original feature film screenplay, which he will direct. He intends to start fundraising for it once he graduates. His goal is to write and direct films for major studios to reach a global audience.

“I would love to work for a studio that wants to make really impactful films and meaningful films, not just about my community, but about any community,” Balcha said. “I would love to make large tentpole films for everybody. Because that’s the stuff that brought me in, that’s the stuff that made me want to do this as a kid. That’s my ultimate dream, to make things that bring people together.”

CSUN’s film program is annually recognized as one of the best in the country by trade publications including The Hollywood Reporter, Variety and TheWrap. The Golden Globe Foundation helped CSUN get there. 

“Their support has been a major part of why we’re in the top 25 film schools,” Thomas said.

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This year’s ceremony marked a major milestone with the presentation of more than one million dollars in university scholarships to high school seniors from underserved communities, directly supporting the next generation of storytellers as they begin their educational and professional journeys.

A defining moment of the gala came with Jennifer Lopez’s acceptance of The Hollywood Reporter’s Equity in Entertainment Award. Introduced with high praise as a generational talent and trailblazer, the award-winning singer, actress, and producer delivered a powerful and deeply personal reflection on representation, perseverance, and navigating an industry that did not always make space for her.

“In the early days of my career, I often felt like that Puerto Rican girl in the Bronx wasn’t supposed to be in the room, let alone at the center of it,” Lopez shared. “I was told in a hundred different ways what roles people like me were expected to play.”

She spoke candidly about stereotypes that tried to box her in before she had the chance to show what she could do, and credited the 1997 film Selena as the pivotal turning point that changed the trajectory of her career. Lopez also honored Latina trailblazers including Rita Moreno, Dolores del Río, and Chita Rivera, acknowledging the path they created for artists like her.

The gala also honored Gwyneth Paltrow with the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award. In her remarks, Paltrow reflected on the experience of building a career in entertainment while navigating public scrutiny, emphasizing the importance of community, mentorship, and strong support networks for women in the industry.

The program also included a poignant tribute honoring the late Diane Keaton. Goldie Hawn and Sarah Paulson took the stage to deliver a special remembrance, reflecting on Keaton’s remarkable legacy and her enduring influence on generations of actors and filmmakers. Their appearance added warmth and emotional resonance to the evening, underscoring the gala’s celebration of both emerging talent and enduring icons.

In addition to the gala, The Hollywood Reporter, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation hosted a separate celebration marking 16 years of mentorship and impact. The gathering brought together program alumni, longtime mentors, and industry partners to honor the thousands of hours of guidance and support that have helped shape aspiring storytellers over more than a decade. The evening underscored the essential role of consistent mentorship in widening access to the entertainment industry and uplifting young people from underserved communities.

The Golden Globe Foundation is proud to be a longtime supporter of The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Mentorship Program and Scholarship Fund, standing alongside partners who believe in creating real, sustainable entry points into the entertainment industry. Together, these programs continue to elevate students, empower mentors, and strengthen a more inclusive future for film, television, and media.

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As the holiday season begins, the Golden Globe Foundation extends warm wishes to everyone who contributes to this meaningful work. We are grateful for the teams, students, mentors and community partners whose energy and vision bring these programs to life. Their dedication supports a vibrant creative landscape and enriches communities across Los Angeles.

Throughout the month, audiences can enjoy a wide range of screenings, exhibitions, concerts and celebrations presented by organizations whose missions align with our commitment to foster emerging talent, preserve cinematic heritage and expand access to the arts. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and the positive impact they continue to make.

Friday, December 5 to Monday, December 8

IndieCollect – RescueFest Restored Film Festival

Laemmle Monica Film Center, Santa Monica
A multi-day showcase celebrating newly restored independent films, presented in partnership with organizations dedicated to film preservation and archival access. The festival highlights rare and overlooked works brought back to the screen through extensive restoration efforts.

Saturday, December 6 at 10:00am

NewFilmmakers LA – Student Mentorship Ceremony 2025

Sunset Las Palmas Studios
This annual ceremony recognizes students completing mentorship and training programs designed to build creative skills, industry exposure and professional confidence. The event brings together mentors, emerging filmmakers and community partners.

Saturday, December 6 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Venice Arts – Community Day and Student Exhibition

13445 Beach Avenue, Venice
A free community gathering featuring student work across film, media and visual arts. Families, educators and neighbors are invited to explore projects created through year-round educational programming.

Saturday, December 6 at 2:00pm

Music Mends Minds – Concert by the 5th Dementia Band

Brentwood Presbyterian Church
A joyful and uplifting musical performance by the 5th Dementia Band, known for its intergenerational approach to community music-making. The concert is free and open to all attendees.

Sunday, December 7

Film2Future – 2025 Screening and Award Ceremony

The Fonda Theatre
An annual celebration honoring outstanding student and community work across a range of creative disciplines. The event features screenings, presentations and recognition of emerging voices making an impact in the arts.

Saturday, December 13 from 1:00pm to 4:30pm

Valley Cultural Foundation – Holiday Arts Music Festival

Warner Park, Woodland Hills
A free outdoor festival showcasing local musicians, performers and community arts organizations. The event provides an inclusive family-friendly space to celebrate the season and enjoy live entertainment.

See below for full event listings and more information. Explore upcoming programs, events and the year-round work that makes these gatherings possible.

Partner Organization Websites:
• IndieCollect — https://indiecollect.org
• Venice Arts — https://www.venicearts.org
• Music Mends Minds — https://www.musicmendsminds.org
• NewFilmmakers LA — https://www.newfilmmakersla.com
• Film2Future — https://www.film2future.com
• Valley Cultural Foundation — https://valleycultural.org

The post Creative Programs Shine Across Los Angeles This December appeared first on Golden Globe Foundation.

The Institute for Nonprofit News’ NewsMatch program enters its tenth cycle on Nov. 1, continuing to strengthen the sustainability of nonprofit news by helping outlets grow and diversify their sources of support. Through NewsMatch, newsrooms leverage support from a network of local and national funders to spark community giving, building a base of donors who sustain fact-based reporting. Over the years, NewsMatch has leveraged $38 million in matching gifts to help drive $362 million in community support.

NewsMatch engages audiences to provide critical, flexible funding that allows newsrooms to be responsive to the issues that matter most in their communities, from local elections to natural disasters. At a time when unbiased news and information from Institute for Nonprofit News (INN) Network newsrooms is crucially needed, this kind of community-backed revenue ensures nonprofit newsrooms can remain independent and resilient.

Since NewsMatch’s inception in 2016, 39 national and local funders have joined together to help inspire nearly half a million people to donate to a nonprofit newsroom for the first time. But NewsMatch is more than just a match. Participants gain access to essential training and tools to boost their fundraising capacity long-term. Support includes on-demand fundraising training, free wealth screenings, customizable design assets, templated email pitches, and even new on-air promotional copy in English and Spanish to reach more audiences.

“The animating idea of NewsMatch that has worked so well over the last decade is that it empowers nonprofit news organizations to attract investment from the communities they serve,” said Karen Rundlet, executive director and CEO of the Institute for Nonprofit News. “Grantmaking is not enough to ensure future sustainability: field-building organizations need to provide the incentives, training and tangible tools that allow nonprofit leaders to build lasting relationships with their audiences. NewsMatch has essentially democratized philanthropy.”

This year, 20 national and regional funders have pledged over $7.7 million to match donations for a record number of 422 participating organizations. This includes three new funders to date: the Golden Globe Foundation, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, and Press Forward. 

“NewsMatch is more than a fundraising campaign. It’s a movement to strengthen the roots of local news.”Dale Anglin, Executive Director, Press Forward

“NewsMatch is more than a fundraising campaign. It’s a movement to strengthen the roots of local news,” said Dale Anglin, executive director of Press Forward. “When people invest in their local outlets, they’re investing in trust and connection in their own communities. We’re thrilled to support this effort to help newsrooms grow and sustain their impact.”

NewsMatch launched in 2016 with 57 newsrooms participating and now exceeds more than 400. The program’s growth mirrors the broader expansion of the nonprofit news field; INN now has more than 500 members and, for the first time, a majority (51%) are local outlets, according to the 2025 INN Index. Local outlets, like NewsMatch participant Boyle Heights Beat, are most likely to provide more immediate – and crucial – coverage of their specific neighborhood or city. 

When wildfires threatened school operations and community safety in Los Angeles earlier this year, Boyle Heights Beat delivered real-time, bilingual updates on school closures, air quality and emergency resources, ensuring that families across the region had access to vital information. The Golden Globe Foundation, a first-time NewsMatch funder, created a dedicated fund to support Los Angeles area-based newsrooms like this one.

“The Golden Globe Foundation is proud to support the Institute for Nonprofit News’ NewsMatch program so that journalists working in independent and nonprofit newsrooms may continue to engage and inform their communities about local issues and events,” said Adam Tanswell, president of the Golden Globe Foundation.

The impact of NewsMatch extends beyond a single campaign. For organizations like The Maine Monitor, the program has been a springboard for growth and sustainability. Since joining in 2017, the newsroom has raised $569,000 in individual donations and $84,500 in its own match funds, adding more than 250 new donors in 2024 alone.

“NewsMatch is a fantastic program that supports our fundraising efforts, teaches us new fundraising techniques and inspires donors,” said Maine Monitor’s Executive Director Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm. 

The 2025 NewsMatch campaign is generously supported by the following funders: Barr Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, DAFgiving360 made possible by the generosity of the Present Progressive Fund, Democracy Fund, Golden Globe Foundation, Heising-Simons Foundation, Henry Luce Foundation, Inasmuch Foundation, Independence Public Media Foundation, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Jonathan Logan Family Foundation, Joyce Foundation, Kaphan Foundation, McKnight Foundation, Press Forward, The Tow Foundation, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Wyncote Foundation. In-kind support provided by The New York Times.

NewsMatch is a collaborative fund held at The Miami Foundation.

More information about NewsMatch, including a briefing on how the program works, is available online in the Press Room. To find and donate to a participating newsroom covering a particular geographic area or topic of interest, visit findyournews.org/newsmatch.

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From LA City College:

Please join us for an evening with celebrated author and journalist, Joel Simon at LACC inside Holmes Hall 6 (Dr Ronald Levant Lecture Hall)

On December 9th, 2025, join us for an evening with decorated journalist and author, Joel Simon, inside Holmes Hall 6 (Dr Ronald Levant Lecture Hall) on LACC’s campus.

Joel Simon has worked tirelessly as a champion of press freedom around the world.

For 15 years between 2006 and 2021, he served as the executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). He traveled the world defending the rights of journalists, effectively saving lives and getting innumerable people out of harm’s way.

Simon helped establish CPJ’s Emergencies Department, which provides safety information and direct support for journalists under threat, including placement for at-risk journalists at leading journalism schools, the Newmark J-School among them. For the last year, Simon has been a fellow at the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University and a senior visiting fellow at the Knight First Amendment Institute, also at Columbia.

Simon is the author of four books, including most recently The Infodemic: How Censorship and Lies Made the World Sicker and Less Free, co-authored with Robert Mahoney. He writes on press freedom issues for The New Yorker and produces a regular column for Columbia Journalism Review.

A Brooklyn native and fluent Spanish speaker, Simon started his career in the 1990s as a journalist covering the Guatemalan conflict. He also reported from El Salvador, Cuba, and for a full decade, Mexico, where he covered the Zapatista uprising and the assassination of the presidential candidate Luis Donaldo Colosio. His first book, from 1998, Endangered Mexico: An Environment on the Edge, was named one of the 100 best books of the year by the LA Times.

Highlights of the event include: Engaging Q&A session, book signing opportunity with Joel Simon, and free books (limited quantity) for students.

LACC Foundation
Date: December 9, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Los Angeles City College, Holmes Hall 6

Admission Fee: $30.00
Event is FREE for LACC students, faculty, and staff

RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/JSimon2025

Laccfoundation.org
(323) 953-4011
[email protected]

The post December 9: An Evening with Celebrated Author and Journalist Joel Simon appeared first on Golden Globe Foundation.

Miriam Spritzer never imagined that a childhood love of entertainment would someday lead her into rooms with global changemakers—let alone onto the red carpet with Oprah Winfrey. But in a career spanning three continents and two decades, Spritzer has built a reputation not only as an incisive entertainment journalist but also as a fierce advocate for press freedom, women’s voices, and equitable representation in media.

Today, she splits her time between New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Brazil, and occasionally Europe, reporting for major outlets, moderating panels, and helping shape the direction of cultural philanthropy as a board member of the Golden Globe Foundation, a nonprofit formed in 2023 to carry on the work of its predecessor, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA).

Spritzer’s journey into journalism was unexpected. Fifteen years ago, fresh in New York, she had little inkling that reporting would become her path. Coming from a background in marketing and performing arts—with years of ballet, opera, musical theater, and acting under her belt—she initially viewed journalism as a way to apply her performance skills on television for a Brazilian TV channel.

“It was an opportunity that came up,” she recalls. “I thought it would be fun… and if I was bad at it they wouldn’t keep calling me.”

Instead, it grew into a lifelong career.

Spritzer’s education in business and marketing gave her a unique perspective. Unlike in many countries, Brazil’s education system directs students immediately into specialized fields, so she studied business. This background sharpened her awareness of the audience and the commercial dynamics behind media, helping her blend storytelling with strategic thinking.

Today, she serves on the board of the Golden Globe Foundation, an independent philanthropic organization connected to the entertainment industry. Unlike the for-profit, separately managed Golden Globe Awards—a star-studded red-carpet ceremony honoring outstanding achievements in film and television—the Foundation operates as a nonprofit focused on giving back to the industry.

Through grants, scholarships, and mentorship programs, it supports underrepresented voices in film, television, and journalism. Over the past three decades, licensing fees from the Golden Globe Awards have enabled the Foundation—and previously the HFPA—to donate more than $60 million to colleges and nonprofit organizations. The Foundation also supports film preservation projects to protect the cultural heritage of cinema and advocates for press freedom.

“The Foundation is a group of entertainment journalists, some that have worked in film and TV for almost 80 years,” explains Spritzer.

Spritzer says serving on the board is both an honor and a responsibility—a chance to support underrepresented voices and help preserve the heritage of film and journalism worldwide. Being elected by her peers—a diverse group of international journalists—is a reflection of the trust she’s earned.

She explains that the Foundation’s mission is focused on amplifying voices from communities that often face barriers to access within entertainment and media.

“It means a lot, personally,” Spritzer says. “The board is very diverse—with people from different countries, ages, and backgrounds—so being elected is a real vote of confidence from them.”

Decision-making within the Foundation is deliberate and closely aligned with its mission. A dedicated grants committee carefully reviews applications to ensure funding goes where it can make the greatest impact. They often wrestle with how to balance support between large, established organizations and smaller groups where even modest funding can drive significant change.

“We have conversations every year about where we can do more impact,” Spritzer says.

The Foundation’s work goes beyond simply distributing funds; it also involves mentoring recipients, offering capacity-building training, and fostering sustainable growth.

Among the many causes close to her heart, Spritzer has a particular passion for women’s empowerment. She devotes personal time mentoring young women, encouraging them to find their voices and build confidence.

“I try to pay forward,” she says, reflecting on the mentors who guided her early in her career and whom she still turns to today.

Her commitment extends beyond gender advocacy—she is also actively involved in providing people in underrepresented communities with a voice and access to opportunities in entertainment and journalism.

Though Spritzer is based primarily in New York, her work with the Foundation and her journalism reach across continents. She regularly travels to Los Angeles for Foundation events and stays closely connected with grantees and colleagues through calls, emails, and social media—habits that became ingrained during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her international career demands a constant balancing act between languages and cultures. Switching between English and Portuguese, she sometimes finds herself searching for the perfect word, embodying the experience of a bilingual correspondent bridging diverse worlds. Through her stories, she brings South American perspectives to American audiences and vice versa, effectively serving as a cultural translator.

Working largely on her own, Spritzer depends on a network of fellow correspondents for support—whether it’s sharing press credentials or collaborating on set—underscoring the collaborative spirit that fuels her work.

This mission resonates deeply with Spritzer, whose own background in the performing arts has given her firsthand insight into the challenges of breaking into the industry.

“As someone from the performing arts world, I know how hard it can be to get your foot in the door, to find opportunity, or even to secure funding for certain projects,” she remarks, adding that the Foundation also helps film restoration, underscoring the importance of preserving cinema history for future generations.

Throughout her career, Spritzer has had remarkable moments that highlight both the glamour and the humanity of her work. One unforgettable experience was interviewing Oprah Winfrey early on, a defining milestone.

“I thought, if I make a very good question, she’s going to stop,” she recalls.

The moment Oprah paused for her, adjusted her position, and even gave a reassuring pat on the shoulder, left a lasting impression.

“This is why this woman is who she is. She was incredibly kind to everyone,” says Spritzer fondly.

Another memorable encounter was with Brazilian soccer legend Pelé at the Tribeca Film Festival. Known for rarely giving interviews, Pelé agreed to speak with Spritzer when she explained she was reporting for Brazil.

“That was such an incredible moment,” she says, reflecting on her journey from a fan attending festivals to a trusted correspondent interviewing icons.

Looking ahead, Spritzer is excited about several ongoing projects. At the Foundation, she’s involved in a collaboration with Etre Girls, focused on women’s empowerment and mentorship. Meanwhile, in her journalism career, she’s working on an article about immersive theater, set for publication soon. The fall cycle of award season and major film festivals—from New York to Toronto—has kept her calendar full and dynamic.

A notable upcoming event Spritzer is helping organize is a Foundation-hosted panel on freedom of the press under a new administration—a timely topic given global challenges to journalistic independence.

“We are very excited for that,” she says, highlighting the Foundation’s commitment to protecting press freedom alongside its cultural mission.

For Spritzer, the Golden Globe Foundation is a powerful force for change within entertainment—separate from the glitz of the awards ceremony but deeply connected to the industry’s future. Through grants, mentorship, and advocacy, it nurtures diverse voices and preserves the heritage of film and journalism alike.

From the bright lights of red carpets to quiet moments mentoring the next generation, Miriam Spritzer continues to shape the narrative—both on screen and behind the scenes.

Cover image: Golden Globe Foundation Board Member Miriam Spritzer at Nasdaq Headquarters in New York City, on Day of the Girl. Être Girls and Golden Globe Foundation have partnered to create mentorship opportunities for young women.

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