Supporting Our Work
Become a Contributing Partner
By joining our Contributing Partners, you help empower our mission to revive local journalism across all corners of Central Appalachia.
Pathways to become a Contributing Partner include:
Direct contributions to the Rural News Fund
Aligned investments in local news and information organizations
In-kind or infrastructure support that strengthens the field
Participation Guidelines
For National Funders
National funders participate by helping ensure that resources reach rural communities that have historically been underinvested in local news. This model offers a way to contribute to a coordinated regional effort while staying connected to local context, shared learning, and emerging opportunities across Central Appalachia.
Guidelines for participation:
National funders may participate through direct contributions to the Rural News Fund or through aligned grantmaking. Direct contributions are expected to be multi-year commitments, with a proposed minimum of $50,000. Aligned grantmaking may also qualify if it reflects a multi-year commitment of at least $50,000 directed to one or more Central Appalachian newsrooms and is consistent with the shared goals of the Rural News Fund.
For Regional Funders
Regional funders play a critical role in strengthening the local news and information ecosystem through proximity, relationships, and a deep understanding of community context. This model is designed to build on existing investments while creating greater coordination, shared learning, and collective impact across the region.
Guidelines for participation:
Regional funders may participate through direct contributions to the Rural News Fund or through aligned grantmaking. Aligned grantmaking may include direct support to local news organizations with at least one full-time journalist and alignment with Rural News Fund values. In-kind contributions, such as providing incubation space or infrastructure support for startup newsrooms, may also qualify when they contribute to the sustainability of local news in the region.
Benefits
As a Contributing Partner, beyond playing a key role in securing and expanding access to news for Central Appalachia community members, benefits include:
GET IN TOUCH
Ready to explore partnership? We welcome conversations on how your organization can contribute to the movement. Contact us here.
LEARN MORE
Want to learn more about the importance of local news in Central Appalachia? Explore our News & Resources.