Tech Impact Receives MacArthur Foundation Grant to Support Digital and Cybersecurity Assessments for Journalism and Media Organizations
PHILADELPHIA, PA (March 1, 2026) — Message Agency, the Digital Services Division of nonprofit Tech Impact, has received a $560k grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to provide cyber and digital support to journalism and media organizations. Funding has supported the research, implementation, and delivery of customized assessments that directly address the specific needs and threats of the media industry. Tech Impact is a national 501 (c)(3) that provides technology services to other nonprofits and operates a free workforce development program in Information Technology for youth underrepresented in the tech industry.
The grant aligns with Tech Impact’s broader mission to leverage technology for the greater good and with the MacArthur Foundation’s commitment to supporting journalism and media organizations through its Journalism and Media (JAM) fund.
“As journalism and media outlets navigate a rapidly changing political and social landscape, they face increased threats to their systems and data. Simultaneously, there is an urgent need to leverage effective digital strategies to ensure their important voices and messages break through a busy news cycle. Tailoring our existing nonprofit assessments in cybersecurity and digital strategy specifically for organizations in this sector is a crucial way to support these nonprofits facing a challenging landscape,” said Marcus Iannozzi, Chief Digital Officer at Tech Impact.
SecCheck, which measures cybersecurity practices, and DigiCheck, which evaluates digital strategy practices, are assessments specific to nonprofits that audit and rate an organization’s maturity against a series of dimensions, identify potential security or efficiency gaps, and provide recommendations for improvement that include corresponding projects, budgets, risks, and remediation efforts.
The funding will support an educational webinar and materials focused on cybersecurity risks, the research and development of customized assessments, the delivery of SecChecks and DigiChecks to grantees, and support for subsequent implementation projects. It also includes grantee participation in a dedicated, five-month cohort of the Digital Impact Greenhouse, Tech Impact’s bootcamp for digital strategy. Bootcamp participants will learn how to develop effective digital campaigns and emerge from the program with a complete plan to implement a campaign within their organizations.
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. MacArthur strives toward transformative change on some of the world's most pressing social issues, including the existential threats of climate change, criminal justice reform, revitalizing local news in the U.S., expanding who creates, uses, and benefits from artificial intelligence, strengthening the well-being of Native communities, and empowering young people in Nigeria. In addition to its award programs MacArthur Fellows and 100&Change, the Foundation continues its historic commitments to the role of journalism in a responsible and responsive democracy and to the strength and vitality of its headquarters city, Chicago. The MacArthur Foundation is also significantly increasing financial capital for the social sector and strengthening research and advocacy about the social impacts of technology.
Tech Impact is a nonprofit that leverages technology to advance social impact. Our proven workforce training programs and intermediary services prepare our graduates to launch or advance their careers in technology. We also strengthen nonprofits through a full spectrum of technology support, providing educational resources and direct services they need to deliver greater impact and help their communities thrive. Learn more at techimpact.org.