Great journalism doesn’t always translate into a sustainable business—but it should. Across the country, community-based newsrooms are producing trusted, high-impact journalism that strengthens civic life, particularly in rural, underserved, and historically marginalized communities. Yet many of these outlets lack the systems to consistently measure and communicate their impact in ways that resonate with funders andContinue reading “Building the Systems for Sustainable Local News”
Author Archives: Haeven Gibbons
Journalism’s influencer obsession will age poorly
“Journalism will look back on its influencer mania the way it now views the ‘pivot to video’ — as a costly diversion from building real community infrastructure.”
We’re Hiring: Business Development Manager
Business Development Manager Location: Remote (U.S.) | Reports to: CEO | Works closely with: Chief Development Officer Status: Full-time, Exempt About The Pivot Fund The Pivot Fund empowers independent, community-rooted news outlets serving underrepresented urban and rural communities. We provide funding and strategic support that strengthen local news ecosystems and help build a more inclusiveContinue reading “We’re Hiring: Business Development Manager”
What Enlace Latino NC’s Experience Reveals About the Safety Risks Facing Community Newsrooms — and Why Funders Should Care
When Enlace Latino NC covers a protest or community action today, nothing feels routine, says Co-founder and Executive Director Paola Jaramillo. Their small, immigrant-led newsroom has had to rethink nearly every part of its reporting — from what their reporters wear to who can safely enter a high-risk environment — because frontline journalists cannot predictContinue reading “What Enlace Latino NC’s Experience Reveals About the Safety Risks Facing Community Newsrooms — and Why Funders Should Care”
How Investing in Community Media Strengthens Crisis Response Infrastructure
What the recent federal shutdown revealed — and why funders should pay attention During the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, millions of families experienced delayed or reduced SNAP benefits, creating immediate gaps in access to food and essential services. While national outlets focused on political gridlock, community-rooted newsrooms quietly became part of theContinue reading “How Investing in Community Media Strengthens Crisis Response Infrastructure”
‘Our Coverage Has Been Deeply Affected’: How Enlace Latino NC Navigates ICE Risks at Protests — and What Other Community Newsrooms Can Learn
When Enlace Latino NC prepares to cover an event or protest today, nothing feels routine. Founder Paola Jaramillo says the immigrant-led newsroom has had to rethink everything — from what reporters wear to who can safely go into the field — because the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) presence has become increasingly unpredictable. “WeContinue reading “‘Our Coverage Has Been Deeply Affected’: How Enlace Latino NC Navigates ICE Risks at Protests — and What Other Community Newsrooms Can Learn”
Smart Fundraising, Careful Language: Winning Year-End Strategies for 2025
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”
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”