Since we launched in 2022, the Athens County Independent has become a trusted source of community news and information source for everyone. Since then, we have grown every year: expanding coverage, adding staff, and consistently exceeding our business goals.
Now we’re launching Rooted and Resilient, a major gifts campaign to secure our long-term future. We aim to raise $1 million over three years.
Our first four years were about building community trust through our award-winning reporting. Rooted & Resilient is about building the resources that will ensure we’re still around in 40 years.
What Your Support Will Fund
Rooted:
- Full-time environmental reporter. ACI’s broad, award-winning coverage of environmental issues is a collaboration with Ohio University that is partially supported by the Sugar Bush Foundation. This campaign would allow us to take the next step toward sustaining the beat long-term.
- Full-time housing reporter. We successfully applied for a Report for America corps member to focus on our county’s housing challenges. Rooted and Resilient will allow us to fully fund this position over three years.
- Community-informed initiatives. During summer 2026 we conducted a series of community listening sessions to learn what kinds of information residents need and the best ways to deliver it. This campaign will give us the means to act on that feedback, meeting readers where they are and building further trust with our communities.
Resilient:
- Preparation for next stage of development. We’ve come a long way since we published our first story in August 2022. As we emerge from our startup phase, we need support for existing operations as we develop new revenue streams and prepare to use catalytic capital so we can sustain this work for the long haul.
- Retention of current staff. In-depth, trustworthy news and information from actual human beings isn’t cheap. Payroll comprises up to 70% of our annual expenses — even though most of the staff doesn’t make the minimum living wage for Athens County, and we don’t offer group health insurance. Investing in our people ensures that we can continue our award-winning work.
Why Your Support Matters
Your support ensures that Athens County continues to have a trustworthy, locally controlled source of news and information that is available to all for free. You’re investing not only in a news business, but also a stronger Athens County. With Rooted and Resilient, you can support an expansion of community news and information to levels that Athens County hasn’t seen in over 40 years.
A 2026 report by UNESCO found that for every $1 invested in journalism, the public saves more than $100 “through reclaimed funds, improved public services and reduced corruption.”
The value of journalism: Global evidence on why media matters to economies, national security and crises.
Rooted & Resilient Support Levels
From seed to persimmon, Rooted and Resilient allows ACI’s champions to help us grow. Gifts may be paid over 3 years.
As tokens of our gratitude, all campaign donors will receive
- acknowledgement in our annual report and on our website.
- complimentary tickets to our fall 2027 Persimmon Promenade Donor Banquet.
- a T-shirt and tote bag featuring the Rooted and Resilient logo (inspired by a John James Audubon print!).
How to give
Ready to pledge?
- Online: Give easily and securely here (including ACH bank transfers).
- By mail: Send checks made payable to Southeast Ohio Independent News, P.O. Box 2602, Athens OH 45701.
- Donor Advised Funds or other investments: Look for Southeast Ohio Independent News in your investment firm’s charitable giving directory. Don’t see us? Let us know!
For more information about pledging a donation, contact Athens County Independent Development Director Emily Beveridge at emily@athensindependent.com or by calling 740-249-4111.