Dear Friend,

Heading into the final months of 2020, we’re reflecting on what an unprecedented and unpredictable year it has been. From the pandemic, to civil unrest, to extreme storms (and wildfires) fueled by climate change (not to mention this week’s historic presidential election), 2020’s impacts have been far greater than anyone could have anticipated. These impacts have, of course, been felt locally and globally, at an individual level and also organizationally for us here at the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting  And yet, one thing is certain: the hunger and need for news is stronger than ever.

That’s why we’re excited to share an opportunity to double your donation this year. We have once again been selected to participate in NewsMatch, a national matching-gift campaign that drives donations to nonprofit newsrooms (like ours!) around the U.S. Since 2016, NewsMatch has raised over $100 million for nonprofit journalism. That’s a lot of impact. That's a lot of independent news.

In an average year, this funding opportunity would be crucial to fulfilling our mission. But in 2020, it’s absolutely critical. Nonprofit news gives power to people, but power doesn’t come for free.

Our reporting this year has been shared not just with local news outlets throughout the Midwest, but published or cited in news outlets ranging from the Washington Post, CNN, NBC, and CBS to the Guardian, the BBC, the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Tribune, Bloomberg and many, many others. We must keep going, working hard for all of us. It's more important than ever in these uncertain times so we ask for your support. This is all happening here in our home base of Champaign-Urbana.

Here’s how NewsMatch works.  

Starting now—through December 31—NewsMatch will match your new monthly donation 12x or double your one-time gift, all up to $5,000.

We can earn up to $11,500 in matching dollars, which means the Midwest Center can raise $23,000 in total. This funding would help ensure we continue producing the high-quality, independent journalism you’ve come to depend on—especially this year. 

The time is now. Trusted journalism like ours has never mattered more.

Give today and NewsMatch will double the impact of your donation.