Business model

Vtdigger.org is a nonprofit enterprise.

Our money comes from donations, business sponsorships and grants.

We chose this business model for four reasons:

1. Our objective is to serve the public interest.
2. We believe financial transparency helps us build trust with our readers, viewers and listeners.
3. There is no proven for-profit model for online news.
4. The most successful nonprofit media outlet in the U.S., National Public Radio, has raised money through donations, business sponsorships and grants to support high-quality journalism for decades.

Because we are a low-overhead operation, our money is spent directly on reporting. We don’t need an office space, for example—we can run a virtual newsroom thanks to high-speed cable Internet access and the wonders of the Web. Our overhead costs consist of insurance, mileage reimbursement, web development and computer and camera equipment.

The Web and our friends at WordPress have given us an inexpensive platform for delivering written reports, videos and audio files. It takes time to produce material for the vtdigger.org, but we aren’t burdened by the legacy infrastructure costs (management compensation, manufacture and distribution of newspapers, or production and broadcast expenses) borne by traditional media outlets.

The more money we raise through donations, grants and business sponsorships, the more we can invest in news reports. In the coming year, we hope to raise $75,000-$125,000 for a pool of freelance reporters and two full-time journalists. Our long-term goal is to provide comprehensive statewide reporting on public affairs and business. To do that, we would need to raise about $300,000 a year. Eventually, we hope to charge a small subscription fee for special services on our Web site. Much of our content, however, would remain free.

We believe the analysis, news reports and unfiltered information Vtdigger.org provides is as necessary to the state’s vitality as its bucolic landscape, its vibrant communities and its independent spirit. We hope you do, too. Please consider making a tax deductible donation of $25 or more. You can pay through PayPal by clicking on the donate button or send a check to Vtdigger.org, PO Box 2, East Hardwick, VT 05836. For more information, contact Anne Galloway at agalloway@vtdigger.org or 802-441-1016.

Thank you for your support.