In today’s polarized climate, the words we choose can make—or break—our fundraising campaigns. As giving season ramps up, nonprofit newsrooms face a critical challenge: how to raise funds authentically without compromising their mission or alienating supporters. That question took center stage in The Pivot Fund’s recent webinar, Smart Fundraising, Careful Language: Winning Year-End Strategies forContinue reading “Smart Fundraising, Careful Language: Winning Year-End Strategies for 2025”
Author Archives: Haeven Gibbons
Reimagining Story Power
What would narrative ecosystems look like if we could totally redesign who participates in crafting the story? In this conversation, Vanessa Wakeman, founder and CEO of Wakeman Agency, speaks with Tracie Powell, CEO and founder of The Pivot Fund. Powell shares insights on how storytelling can shift power when produced ethically by people with livedContinue reading “Reimagining Story Power”
When the System Falters, Community Media Steps Up
As the federal government shutdown reaches 38 days, becoming the longest shutdown in U.S. history, millions of families are facing new uncertainty about how they’ll put food on the table. The Trump administration says it will restart the national food assistance program known as SNAP — but only at half the normal benefit level, usingContinue reading “When the System Falters, Community Media Steps Up”
Investing in the Next Generation of Trusted Media
How Pivot-Backed Outlets Are Innovating to Engage Younger Audiences As trusted local media evolves, The Pivot Fund’s grantees are proving that innovation and intergenerational engagement go hand in hand. With support from Pivot, Chavez Media’s Radio Campesina is pioneering new ways to connect with younger Latino audiences—building a bridge between legacy trust and digital-first storytelling.Continue reading “Investing in the Next Generation of Trusted Media”
Led by Black women with deep journalism expertise
When people want to understand The Pivot Fund, they often start with our people — and for good reason. Our leadership embodies the expertise and cultural competence that make The Pivot Fund a trusted bridge between philanthropy and community-rooted local news. At the center are Tracie Powell, Susan Smith-Richardson, and Jean Marie Brown — threeContinue reading “Led by Black women with deep journalism expertise”
It’s time to make the emerging local news ecosystem work for everyone
Despite record investment in journalism support, too many small publishers are burning out in a system built to train, not sustain.
Where The Pivot Fund Fits in the Local News Ecosystem
By launching The Pivot Fund’s new website, we’re doing more than showcasing our work—we’re clarifying our place in the growing ecosystem of organizations supporting local news, and why that role matters to the future of journalism and democracy. Too often, people who care deeply about local news philanthropy tell me they’re not quite sure whatContinue reading “Where The Pivot Fund Fits in the Local News Ecosystem”
It’s Time to Launch Your End-of-Year Campaign: How to Prepare
The final stretch of the year brings big opportunities for community media: grow support, strengthen relationships, and remind your audience why your work matters. End-of-year fundraising isn’t just about donations — it’s about connection. It’s your chance to tell powerful stories, celebrate your newsroom’s impact, and invite your community to invest in its future. WeContinue reading “It’s Time to Launch Your End-of-Year Campaign: How to Prepare”
How Community Media Can Host Events in Uncertain Times
Community media like NotiVisión Georgia are reimagining public events to ensure safety, belonging, and joy amid rising anti-immigrant tensions. Across the country, community media outlets that serve Spanish-speaking and immigrant audiences are rethinking what it means to host public events. In today’s climate—where fear and uncertainty have grown under new anti-immigrant policies—celebrations that once feltContinue reading “How Community Media Can Host Events in Uncertain Times”
Holding the Line: Community Publishers Rise Amid Threats, Change
Independent, community-rooted publishers are under extraordinary strain — from funding cuts and policy shifts to politically motivated intimidation. Yet across the country, they continue to lead with courage, creativity, and care. During a recent Pivot Fund webinar, On the Front Lines with Community Media, newsroom leaders shared how they’re adapting to continue serving their audiences despiteContinue reading “Holding the Line: Community Publishers Rise Amid Threats, Change”