The Bold Move Behind Our Investment In Baltimore Beat

Empowering change, The Pivot Fund recently made a significant investment of $150,000 in Baltimore Beat, an impactful Black-led nonprofit that stands as an alternative to The Baltimore Sun. This move comes on the heels of The Baltimore Sun’s recent acquisition by the conservative chairman of Sinclair Broadcasting Group.

This strategic investment underscores The Pivot Fund’s commitment to identifying and supporting local news outlets that enjoy trust within their communities, aiming to empower them to drive tangible change. The financial injection, coupled with tailored wrap-around support services, is poised to facilitate the expansion of Baltimore Beat’s team. According to Lisa Snowden, co-founder and Editor-in-Chief, this support will pave the way for the hiring of at least one additional staff member.

“Our goal is to grow steadily and deliberately, ensuring that both the community and our team can rely on us to be a steadfast presence for them,” emphasized Snowden, outlining Baltimore Beat’s dedication to sustainable growth and community impact.

The investment follows Sinclair Broadcasting chairman David Smith and Armstrong Williams’ acquisition of The Baltimore Sun, prompting Baltimore’s nonprofit newsrooms to seek funding. 

David Simon, the mind behind “The Wire,” endorsed The Baltimore Banner, a digital news outlet funded by philanthropist Stewart Bainum, Jr.  The Baltimore Beat sought support from Simon as well, but Simon accused them of playing the race card and subsequently blocked them.

This situation underscores the stark contrast between Black-owned and well-connected, white-led publications: The Beat secured $1 million in 2022, while the Banner launched with a substantial $50 million. Simon’s presumptions shed light on the fundraising hurdles confronting Black leaders.

This week, The Pivot Fund CEO Tracie Powell authored an op-ed for Poynter, delving into our support and the circumstances prompting it.

While we recognize that our backing doesn’t level the financial playing field with an organization starting at $50 million, we are committed to supporting Snowden. They can effectively steward our investment and possess something invaluable that money can’t buy: community trust.