Local newspapers are a vital part of any community. They act as a hub for announcements, keep residents informed of local news and events, and support local commerce. And, now more than ever, they are vital to a health democracy.

Unfortunately, our local news outlets are in danger. Over the past 15 years, one in five local publications across the country has closed down, and many more have been purchased and gutted.

That’s why we were founded – to bring journalism and civic engagement back to the fore as tools for building strong communities. And we are thrilled to invite you to join us in launching our first project.

Starting today, we’re working to raise $500,000 to help transition the New Jersey Hills Media Group, which has served our community for more than 100 years, to a sustainable nonprofit status. These papers employ the reporters that you see at townhall meetings, cover our local elections, and tell the stories of our neighbors and friends.

We want to make sure these 14 papers can continue this good work, which could be in danger if they are bought by private interests that could turn them into partisan mouthpieces, strip them for parts, or starve them until they are shells of their former selves. We have the power to keep these local papers working for our community – join us!