Give Today to Strengthen Local News in Virginia

Despite new journalism organizations coming online, Virginia’s local news system remains at a breaking point. A new statewide study by the Karsh Institute of Democracy shows that 63% of Virginia newsrooms operate with five or fewer full-time staff, nearly half say they need more reporters to survive and at least 22 outlets have closed or merged in the last decade. When local news fades, communities lose the information they need to make decisions, hold leaders accountable and stay connected.

And yet that same report shows Virginians trust local news more than any other source. They want strong, reliable reporting. They want to know what is going on in their communities. And, importantly, they want connection.

That’s why the SPJVA Pro Chapter and the Karsh Institute of Democracy at UVA are launching The Union We Keep, a statewide fireside-chat series that brings national journalists, local reporters, civic leaders and community members into the same room for honest, solutions-driven conversations about the future of trusted information in Virginia.

These events will deliver something communities rarely get:

Direct access to journalists, new research on the state’s news ecosystem and a real chance to rebuild trust together.

To make this possible, we must raise $15,000 by the end of the year.

The Karsh Institute has already committed $10,000 in in-kind support, covering staffing and planning costs.

Every dollar you give goes directly to bringing these conversations to the communities that need them most by offsetting the costs of venues, speakers, travel, and public engagement.

If you believe that strong communities depend on strong local news…

If you believe democracy works best when people have access to credible information…

If you want to help rebuild trust, connection, and civic life here in Virginia…

Please consider a tax-deductible donation today. Help us keep the Union we share, and the press we depend on, strong.

Donations made are tax-deductible up to the full extent of the law from the Society of Professional Journalists Foundation EIN #: 36-6106287.

To give via check

Make payable to:

Society of Professional Journalists Foundation

Credit to: SPJ VA Pro

Mail to:

Society of Professional Journalists Foundation

P.O. Box 441748

Indianapolis, IN 46244