The nonprofit newsroom received first place as part of the Local Media Association Lab for Journalism Funding.
Borderless Magazine’s pitch to expand its editorial team was honored by the Local Media Association (LMA) Lab for Journalism Funding.
The nonprofit newsroom received first place as part of LMA’s Illinois cohort. The program helps local newsrooms make the case for philanthropic and community support.
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Executive Director Nissa Rhee and Chief Development Officer CJ Ortuño outlined Borderless Magazine’s “Democracy Tactical Unit” before funders and fellow newsrooms. The initiative aims to expand editorial capacity. Under the plan, Borderless will add additional staff to provide in-depth, bilingual reporting, helping immigrant and working-class communities stay informed and empowered.
The LMA Lab for Journalism Funding, launched in partnership with the Medill Local News Initiative and supported by the Google News Initiative, brought together 13 Illinois newsrooms for a six-month training and coaching. The program culminated in a Pitch Day, during which participants presented their community-centered journalism projects to a panel of funders.
Borderless’ Democracy Tactical Unit stood out for its emphasis on trust, accessibility, and direct community engagement. Judges praised the project’s bilingual reporting and human-centered approach to covering critical issues, including immigration enforcement, the economy, and public policy.
The new Democracy Tactical Unit will expand Borderless Magazine’s ability to respond to urgent community needs through collaborative, solutions-oriented reporting that builds understanding and accountability.
The project will also strengthen partnerships with local immigrant communities, ensuring their voices and perspectives are reflected in public conversations about democracy, policy, and belonging.
Since its founding, Borderless has produced award-winning reporting that bridges gaps between communities and institutions. Its work continues to demonstrate that trust, listening, and accessibility are essential ingredients for impactful local journalism.
For information about Borderless’ philanthropic partnerships, contact CJ Ortuño, Chief Development Officer, at [email protected].
For press inquiries, please contact Diane Bou Khalil, Marketing and Engagement Manager, Borderless Magazine [email protected].
About Borderless Magazine
Borderless Magazine is Chicago’s premier immigration news outlet. As a nonprofit organization, it is dedicated to providing non-partisan, multilingual reporting that serves and reflects the city’s diverse immigrant communities.
