Hi Reader,
ProPublica’s summer member drive kicks off today. For the next two weeks, we’ll be reaching out to give you a look at how our newsroom runs, showcase some of our best journalism and hopefully inspire you to join us with a donation to support our critical work.
ProPublica is a nonprofit investigative newsroom, and we have a singular mission: to produce deeply researched, nonpartisan journalism that spurs real-world change. We’re funded largely by individuals like you — right now, more than 90,000 readers are supporting our work. Because you read ProPublica, I know you agree that independent journalism is crucial to defending our democracy and holding power to account. And we are built entirely for that purpose.
Here, journalism is a public service. Our reporters chase down evidence of wrongdoing and expose what’s happening behind the scenes so that the facts can lead to real change. They uncover hard truths about the water we drink, the pills we take, the schools our kids attend, the elections that choose our leaders. And with that information on the record for all to see, people are able to make informed decisions about how to make things better. Our investigations have helped hold officials accountable; exposed
life-threatening failures in hospitals, flood zones, and dairy farms; and documented the human cost of policies that powerful people would rather keep hidden. This is why our journalism is free — for everyone. We have no paywall on our website, no subscriptions required, because we want people to have access to the information they need to confront big problems, to understand what’s happening, what’s at stake and why it matters.
Unlike many media outlets, we are a nonprofit, so we don’t have an owner or a corporate parent. We don’t rely on any government funding. ProPublica is 100% independent.
Here’s why that matters: Our business model protects our editorial independence, and our only obligation is to the truth. We aren’t beholden to benefactors or subject to political influence. We have no profit motive bearing down on editorial decisions. Funders have no say in what we cover. Our reporters have the freedom to investigate the most powerful people and institutions in the country and follow the facts wherever they lead, no matter whom they upset.
As someone who values ProPublica’s journalism and its impact, I’m asking you today to invest more deeply in this work by making a donation of any amount. Your support will immediately be put to good use, paying for the investigations we’re knee-deep in right now.
In the past year, tens of thousands of people like you have supported ProPublica, funding independent, fact-based reporting that stays free for everyone. This is what it looks like when people come together to sustain independent journalism. Our two-week summer drive begins today. Join us.
Thanks so much,
Jill Shepherd
Proud ProPublican
