The mission of Vermont Journalism Trust, Ltd. (“VJT”) and VTDigger, a project of the VJT, is to produce rigorous journalism that explains complex issues, holds the government accountable to the public, and engages Vermonters in the democratic process.
We subscribe to standards of editorial independence adopted by the Institute for Nonprofit News. Our organization retains full authority over editorial content to protect the best journalistic and business interests of our organization.
We maintain a firewall between news coverage decisions and sources of all revenue. Acceptance of financial support does not constitute implied or actual endorsement of donors or their products, services or opinions. VTDigger reserves the unconditional right to reject or require disclaimers for any content which as determined in VTDigger's sole discretion may be misleading, offensive or which could undermine the mission of the organization.
Read our full gift acceptance policy (PDF download).
See the list of all funders and donors that contributed $1,000 or more in 2020 (PDF download).
Conflict of Interest Policy for Trustees
Board members may not use their position to influence the reporting of the news. Board members are prohibited from using their position as a member of the Board, as a donor, or as a contributor in any other capacity, to influence the reporting of VTDigger.org, a project of the Vermont Journalism Trust, LTD. (“VJT”).
As a media organization and a guardian of the public trust, VJT and the individuals representing it must conduct their affairs according to the highest possible ethical and moral standards.
Read our full conflict of interest policy for trustees (PDF download).
Commentary policy
VTDigger.org publishes 12 to 18 commentaries a week from a broad range of commentary sources, including individual readers, environmental and consumer groups, and leaders in education, the nonprofit sector, business and state government.
We post commentaries Monday through Saturday.
We are constantly on the look-out for well-written, insightful commentaries from our readers. So please send us your considered opinions.
Here are our general guidelines:
- All commentaries must include the author’s first and last name, town of residence and a brief biography, including affiliations with political parties, lobbying or special interest groups.
- We have a minimum length of 400 words and a maximum length of 850 words for commentaries. We encourage authors to write succinctly.
- Though we review op-eds and provide some copyediting support, we do not have the staff to provide rewrites. We reserve the right to reject opinions for matters of taste and accuracy. Commentaries are voices from the community and do not represent VTDigger in any way.
Press release policy
VTDigger.org posts press releases as a way of providing readers with information directly from businesses, state agencies, political organizations and nonprofits.
We do not edit or rewrite press releases.
We encourage readers to contact the originator of a given release for more information.
Privacy Policy
We collect personal information, such as email addresses, when you:
• Communicate with us;
• Request email newsletters;
• Sign up for events; and
• Make member contributions.
We also collect anonymous, aggregated statistics from third party analytics, server logs, and similar technology. When we link personal information with other information, we treat all of the linked information as personal information.
Personal Information Collection
You can visit VTDigger without identifying yourself or revealing personal information. When you sign up for email newsletters, events, make a comment, ask for customer support, participate in a promotion or make a contribution, we ask you to provide personal information.
It is always your choice to provide personal information. In some instances, if you choose not to provide personal information, you may not be able to use certain VTDigger features.
Making Payments. When you make payments, such as a donation, you may need to provide your credit card number and billing address. That information will be provided directly to our third party payment processor. VTDigger does not have access to and will not store or maintain your credit card information on our servers.
VTDigger does not collect cookies or use other tracking devices.
How we use information
We use personal information to:
• Improve our services;
• Deliver services you request;
• Communicate with you; and
• Deliver marketing and promotions.
Customer Service. We may send email to the email address you provide to us to verify your account and for operational purposes, such as account management, customer service, or system maintenance and to alert you to new products and services from VTDigger.
You may click the “unsubscribe” link in the email to have your email address removed from our marketing list. All requests to unsubscribe will be handled in a prompt and efficient manner.
How we share information
We may share your information:
• with our third-party service providers;
• to comply with legal obligations;
• to protect our rights and property;
• with your permission.
We do not rent, sell, or share personal information about you with other people or nonaffiliated companies for their direct marketing purposes.
UPDATING OR DELETING PERSONAL INFORMATION: We will delete personal information we hold about you, at your request contact@vtdigger.org. You may update your email preferences here.
SECURITY OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
VTDigger makes every effort to maintain the integrity and security of personal information in our custody. While we strive to protect your personal information, VTDigger does not warrant the security of any information you give to us, and you do so at your own risk.
THIRD-PARTY SITES
Your information is collected by proprietary third party hosts for the purpose of delivering email and contribution services. Your information is not shared with anyone.
Please be aware that other websites that may be accessed through VTDigger may collect personal information about you. This privacy policy does not cover the information practices of those third-party websites. You should read the privacy statements and terms and conditions of linked or referenced sites you enter. These third-party websites may send their own cookies and other tracking devices to you, log your IP address, and otherwise collect data or solicit Personal Information.
