Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting is honored to be among the more than 130 nonprofit news organizations selected for News Match 2017, the largest grassroots fundraising campaign to support nonprofit and investigative news organizations.

News Match 2017 is a $3 million collaboration between Democracy Fund, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to support nonprofit news organizations that play a vital role informing the public and holding those in power accountable.

AZCIR is eligible to have up to $28,000 matched for every individual donation up to $1,000 between now and December 31. Donors can contribute at www.newsmatch.org or directly to AZCIR.

Knight Foundation launched the inaugural News Match in 2016, helping 57 nonprofit news organizations raise more than $1.2 million in match donations. This year, in partnership with the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN) and the News Revenue Hub, Democracy Fund, Knight Foundation, and the MacArthur Foundation will nearly triple the number of dollars available to more than 130 nonprofit news organizations. In total, more than $3 million has been pledged to support state and local news, investigative reporting, and engaged journalism.

Nonprofit newsrooms like AZCIR depend on donations from their communities to produce public-interest news that informs Arizonans and fosters a robust democracy. In the last two decades, newsrooms across the US have lost more than 24,000 jobs. By donating to AZCIR during News Match, you can help ensure your community and the issues you care about get the coverage they deserve.

“We want 2017 to be a record-setting year for donations to news to ensure that innovative, nonprofit newsrooms have the resources they need to deliver high-quality reporting to the communities they serve,” said Josh Stearns, Associate Director for the Public Square program at Democracy Fund. “News Match comes at a time when journalists are facing a perfect storm of economic challenges and political attacks. A robust, independent press is essential to fostering an informed and engaged public and vital for a healthy democracy.”

“At a time when trust in media is at an all-time low, nonprofit journalism organizations are directly connecting with people to understand their needs and concerns, while providing vital news and information to communities across the nation,” Jennifer Preston, Knight Foundation Vice President for Journalism. “This initiative will help news organizations that are imperative to our democracy build resources and widen their supporter base, just when they need it most.”

“People are increasingly looking to nonprofit news to fill their information needs,” said Sue Cross, Executive Director and CEO of the Institute for Nonprofit News. “We need to continue that momentum and build an infrastructure that supports organizations that deliver fact-based, nonpartisan, accountable journalism.”

“The accountability and investigative function of journalism is essential for our democracy and it has been under-resourced for many years,” said Kathy Im, Director of Journalism and Media at MacArthur. “News Match endeavors to strengthen a free and independent press and help restore Americans’ faith in the news media.”

All news organizations participating in News Match must be members in good standing of the Institute for Nonprofit News. To be a member, an organization must be a 501(c)(3) or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, must be transparent about funding sources, and produce investigative and/or public-service reporting. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Visit newsmatch.org for more information.