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# We're the nation's top news startup!
- URL: https://www.richmonder.org/were-the-nations-top-news-startup/
- Published: 2026-06-17T18:28:44.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-17T18:29:08.000Z
- Description: Thank you, Richmond, for believing in us and reading The Richmonder!
- Author: Michael Phillips
- Tags: Newsletter, About us

Richmonders love being the best. We're the [**best river town**](https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/best-river-towns-america/), the [**best city to visit**](https://www.cnn.com/travel/richmond-virginia-best-towns-america), and have [**the best burgers in America**](https://rvamag.com/eatdrink/goodeats/richmond-named-best-burger-town-in-the-nation.html).

Today's big news is about ... the news.

The Richmonder was named national [**Startup of the Year**](https://inn.org/about/our-work/nonprofit-news-awards/2026-award-winners/startup-of-the-year/) by the Institute for Nonprofit News, a group that oversees more than 500 newsrooms and creates industry standards.

🗳️

The award cited The Richmonder's “experienced small staff with a well-stated mission and intense community engagement.” 

We agree!

It's great to hear national validation of what we've known for a while: **Richmond is hungry for community, connection and reliable local news.** Less than two years in, we now reach more than 160,000 Richmonders each month through our newsletter, website and social media channels.

Personally, it's been rewarding to see the hundreds of meetings, mountains of paperwork and long nights slowly turn into a community institution Richmonders can be proud of.

As a reader of The Richmonder, you are part of our success. On behalf of the entire team, thank you!

There's never been a better time to [****join the 1,300+ members**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) who allow us to bring Richmond paywall-free local news. ****Our members are our single largest source of funding.**

[Donate now! ](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/) 

We look forward to celebrating our award with you in the coming days, and continuing to build and grow our impact across the Richmond region!

With gratitude,

Michael Phillips  
Founder  
[**mphillips@richmonder.org**](mailto:mphillips@richmonder.org)

**P.S. – Our peers across the country tell us that we have one of the best newsletter "open rates" in the business, at more than 65%. We'll continue to listen as you tell us what you want to see. If you aren't yet a member, please* [***join us now!**](https://www.richmonder.org/contribute-to-the-richmonder/)