Donate
Newsletter

We spent $1 million bringing you local news. Here’s what happened.

When we launched The Richmonder, we set a first-year budget of $430,000. At the time, that felt like an impossible goal.

You came through in a big-time way, allowing us to hire a third reporter after just five months. This month we’ll cross the $1 million spending mark, relying 100% on community funding.

What have we done with that money? 

Here’s some of the impact we’ve made:

  • We’ve been able to stay paywall-free. One complaint about local news is that “the lies are free, but the truth is behind a paywall.” We don’t require payment or a subscription, so that everyone can be informed. In January, we reached 230,000 readers.
📝
We represent you in the rooms where decisions are made. We caught budget mistakes, explained complex issues and even brought new information to light in a high-profile lawsuit. The mayor shared one of our stories in his staff meeting, and encouraged us to “keep doing what you’re doing” to call attention to issues that need addressing.

We’re Richmonders, and we love our community! Our remembrance of Bill Martin, our look at how other local nonprofits are faring, and a trip through BEST Products’ wildest store designs are the types of stories that build civic pride.

How did we spend the money? 

Almost entirely on people. Of our spending so far, 85% has gone directly to creating the news, well above the nonprofit standard of 65%. (We’ve got a platinum rating from a top agency!)

Our low overhead is a commitment to using your money for what you intend it to be used for.

Read more in our annual impact report.

Would we do it again?

In a heartbeat! I’m proud of the work our staff has done, but even prouder when I see our stories emailed, shared and discussed at happy hours across the city. Local news is the lifeblood of a community, and we’re thrilled to watch connections deepen because of your support.

Here’s what’s next:

  • We’re working on a strategic plan to guide our next five years of growth. We want to dig deeper on the issues that matter, cutting through the spin to tell you what you need to know more often, from more places.
  • We’re launching a “Community Champion” initiative for corporations and other groups who want to support our growth.
  • Thanks to a matching grant from Report For America, we’ll add another full-time reporter to our newsroom this summer!

Our news is free, but detailed, knowledgeable work costs money to produce. We’re thrilled Richmond has seen the value of local news, at a time when trust and connection are being eroded in many communities nationally.

It’s why we’re inviting you to be a part of our future. We can't do it without the support of people like you. Reader support is the key to our success.

Today, we’re asking you to join the team. Donors who commit to a $29.99-a-month contribution will get their choice of a Richmonder mug or hat – in addition to our usual great member benefits.

Thanks for reading, and please let us know how we can continue to serve you best!

Michael Phillips, founding editor
mphillips@richmonder.org

P.S. – I’ve always believed in putting as much money as possible into the product, but I’m glad the staff talked me into the mugs and hats. Join us at the $29.99 a month level today and get yours, or make a one-time donation here!

What's Next