Supporting diverse community voices
The 2026 Excellence in Community Media Awards is made possible through the generous support of organizations committed to strengthening local journalism and serving New Jersey's diverse communities.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is the nation's largest philanthropy dedicated solely to health. For more than 50 years, RWJF has worked to improve health and health care for all in America. The Foundation is working alongside others to build a national Culture of Health that provides everyone in America a fair and just opportunity for health and well-being.
RWJF recognizes that a healthy democracy depends on informed communities, and that local and ethnic media play a vital role in providing the news and information that residents need to participate fully in civic life.
Visit rwjf.org
Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
Founded in 1989, the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (SHCCNJ) represents more than 7,000 members and advocates for 120,000+ Hispanic-owned businesses contributing over $100 billion to New Jersey's economy. Their "familia" approach — where 45% of members are non-Hispanic — reflects their commitment to building an inclusive business community.
SHCCNJ is proud to sponsor desserts for the 2026 ECM Celebration, underscoring the economic importance of local journalism in reaching New Jersey's multicultural audiences. Their partnership connects the vibrant world of ethnic media with the Hispanic business community they serve.
Visit shccnj.orgImpact
Why support community media?
New Jersey's community media ecosystem is one of the most vibrant in the nation. The NJ News Commons connects 330+ news organizations serving communities that are often underserved by mainstream media.
These outlets provide essential services to their communities:
Delivering news and information in native languages for immigrant and diaspora communities.
Covering local issues and stories often overlooked by larger news organizations.
Maintaining cultural connections and preserving community heritage.
Providing the information residents need to participate in democracy and civic life.
Get involved
Become a sponsor
Support the celebration and connect with New Jersey's community media
Presenting sponsor
$2,500The premier partnership tier. Cover the plated luncheon or venue costs for top-tier billing.
- Exclusive "Presented By" title billing
- Introduction of keynote speaker
- Signage on site and logo on all materials
- Reserved table for organization guests
Registration sponsor
$750High-touch brand visibility. Your organization provides essential items every attendee receives.
- Exclusive branding on attendee name tags
- Logo on registration welcome signage
- Logo on event website and registration page
- Opportunity to provide branded pens at check-in
Sweet endings pack
$500Host the most anticipated part of the meal. Sponsor the coffee, tea, and dessert service.
- Prominent signage at dessert and coffee stations
- Opportunity for branded napkins or coffee sleeves
- Verbal recognition by host before dessert service
- Logo on event website
In-kind or custom
Service exchangeFlexible partnership for organizations providing critical services or venue support.
- Benefits customized to trade value
- Logo placement on relevant materials
- Creative partnership opportunities available
📧 Interested? Get in touch
For sponsorship inquiries, please contact:
Stefanie Murray
Director, Center for Cooperative Media
murrayst@montclair.edu
Join us on March 13, 2026
Celebrate the journalists and media professionals serving New Jersey's diverse communities.
Register on Eventbrite