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The resource is shared as a view-only template. To personalize it, make a copy for your own use, then enter your newsroom’s information to determine eligibility and estimated credits.
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Illinois Local News Organization Eligibility
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Answer each question using the dropdowns. Outlet-specific questions come first; journalist qualification is checked afterward. Any disqualifying 'No' stops eligibility.
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StepQuestionAnswerApplies?Status / Next Step
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1Does the organization produce ORIGINAL reporting on matters of public interest?YesTRUEProceed to next question
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2Outlet type (select one): Print / Digital incl broadcast / HybridDigitalTRUEProceed to next question
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2aSECTION 2: Outlet RequirementsPrint
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3PRINT: Published ≥1 issue/month in last 12 months?YesFALSESkip (not applicable)
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4PRINT: USPS periodical permit OR ≥25% local news content?YesFALSESkip (not applicable)
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5SECTION 3: Journalist QualificationYesTRUEProceed to next question
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6DIGITAL: ≥33% of audience located in Illinois?YesTRUEProceed to next question
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7DIGITAL: Digital requirement of averaging at least 1 publication per week over past 12 monthsYesTRUEProceed to next question
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8Does the organization employ at least ONE FULL-TIME JOURNALIST (30+ hrs/week)?YesTRUEProceed to next question
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9Journalist role involves ORIGINAL local news production (reporting, editing, etc.)?YesTRUEProceed to next question
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10SECTION 4: Ownership, Funding & Tax ComplianceYesTRUEProceed to next question
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11Journalist lives within 50 miles of coverage area?YesTRUEProceed to next question
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12Are ownership details publicly disclosed (print masthead, website, or nonprofit board list)?YesTRUEProceed to next question
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13Is the organization a 501(c)(3)?YesTRUEProceed to next question
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14If 501(c)(3): IRS-filed mission states local or Illinois news coverage?YesTRUEProceed to next question
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15Political limit: ≤50% gross receipts from PACs/527/501(c)(4)/(c)(6) (with statutory exception)?YesTRUEProceed to next question
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16Political limit: ≤$100,000 lifetime from PACs/527/501(c)(4)/(c)(6)?YesTRUEProceed to next question
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17Political limit: ≤30% revenue from political ads (lowest-unit windows)?YesTRUEProceed to next question
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18Organization deducts and withholds IL employment taxes on behalf of its employees (Sec. 704A)?YesTRUEProceed to next question
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Overall resultLIKELY ELIGIBLE — Next: use the Calculator tab to estimate your credit.
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