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Author Archives: Haeven Gibbons

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”

Community Media Gets Creative to Connect Younger Audiences

Engaging a New Generation: Pivot-Backed Reporter Brings a Fresh Voice, Younger Audience to Chavez Media With support from The Pivot Fund, Ernesto “Lego” Legorreta Rodríguez is helping Chavez Media’s Radio Campesina usher in a new era—one that speaks directly to younger audiences. As media consumption shifts and younger generations look for information in new ways, Chavez MediaContinue reading “Community Media Gets Creative to Connect Younger Audiences”

Overcoming Doubts and Finding Value-Aligned Funders

BIPOC news leaders have a hard time overcoming racial bias to find funding and support. Black women are starting businesses at the fastest clip of any other racial group. Many of these startups don’t reach their full potential — or fail — in part because they can’t raise the capital to start or sustain theirContinue reading “Overcoming Doubts and Finding Value-Aligned Funders”

How to turn your board of directors into fundraisers

Raising funds was hard — but it didn’t have to be. In this panel discussion, we reviewed strategies for turning members of your board of directors into effective fundraisers by tapping into their wealth of knowledge, connections, and resources. This conversation was sponsored by the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute and the John S. andContinue reading “How to turn your board of directors into fundraisers”

How to recession-proof your news business

Economists forecasted a “mild” recession in 2023. That’s driven by inflation, higher interest rates, and a tight labor market. What can news publishers and entrepreneurs do to prepare for an economic downturn?  The conversation provided an assessment of the economic climate and advice on how small and bootstrapped newsrooms could survive a recession. This conversationContinue reading “How to recession-proof your news business”