Hi Reader,

It’s no secret that journalism is in financial trouble. Newsrooms all across the country are downsizing, even closing, leaving “news deserts” in their wake. The economic crisis brought on by the pandemic served to hasten even more closures over the last year. Deep-dive, investigative reporting is time-consuming and expensive, and so even though it is one of the most powerful tools we have to ensure a transparent democracy, it’s often among the first to be cut as remaining newsrooms struggle to stay afloat.

But ProPublica is different, thanks to readers like you. As a nonprofit newsroom, we don’t depend on advertising or short-term investors. We depend largely on donations from individuals, and over the last few years, we’ve grown significantly. We’re able to help fill undeniable gaps in deep-dive journalism left open all over the country.

From coal plant toxins in Georgia, to New York City’s police union contracts, to the climate crisis in California, and so much more — we’re digging deep into issues affecting readers where they live, and beyond. This year, we’ve expanded our Illinois newsroom to cover the Midwest. We’re currently hiring new reporters based in the South and Southwest. Our Local Reporting Network, partnering with newsrooms all over the country, is still going strong, as is our collaboration with the Texas Tribune.

As a reader of ProPublica, you know how important it is for journalists to have the freedom, resources and ability to pursue stories that shine a light on corruption, miscarriages of justice, and other wrongdoing. We’re so grateful to our supporters for giving us the ability to make a difference where it’s most needed. I’m asking you to join us today with your donation of any amount, and help power the largest team of investigative journalists in the country, digging into issues from across this vast country.

Warmly,

Ragan Rhyne
Senior Vice President of Development
Proud ProPublican