We asked for your help.
And a record number of you delivered!
Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, in 2021, during a year of uncertainty and challenges, the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism raised a total of more than $305,000 from individuals, family foundations and local businesses.
In the last two months alone, we raised more than $144,000 from more than 525 people, including 73 who gave a donation to Wisconsin Watch for the first time.
Total donors giving during the year increased from 688 in 2020 to 706 in 2021, including 137 people who gave for the first time. Thanks to our many new donors, we exceeded 1,200 total donors since the Center’s founding in 2009. All funders agree to be publicly identified – an illustration of their commitment to transparency and trusted journalism.
Wisconsin Watch’s Watchdog Club and Leadership Circle, made up of its most generous and loyal donors, continued to grow throughout 2021. Membership exceeded 50 households for the first time since the Watchdog Club’s founding in 2017, up from 45 in 2020 to 64 in 2021. Donations from Watchdog Club and Leadership Circle members made up more than 50% of Wisconsin Watch’s total individual donations.
Donors of at least $1,000 become members of our Watchdog Club and receive “behind the story” insights, events and benefits, such as coffee conversations with renowned journalists like the Washington Post’s Jonathan O’Connell and New York Times’ Caitlin Dickerson and an evening with former New York Times Publisher Arthur Sulzberger, Jr.
Additionally, donors of at least $5,000 become members of our Leadership Circle and receive all the benefits of the Watchdog Club, plus an office tour and lunch with Executive Director Andy Hall and members of the staff (when safe to do so) and invitations to exclusive Leadership Circle events.
View a complete list of Watchdog Club and Leadership Circle members here.
We heard from many donors who provided kind words in addition to financial support.
“The truth matters.” -Nancy
“The work you do is important for our democracy and fighting disinformation. Thank you for all you do.” -Laura
“[Wisconsin Watch] is telling overlooked stories and holding the powerful to account.” -Alec
“Wisconsin Watch covers important stories in depth and trains young journalists to carry on the work.” -Lisa
“Democracy depends on reliable, in-depth reporting of facts!” -Louise
“Wisconsin Watch is providing critical investigative reporting for the citizens of the Badger State.” -David
“I value in depth reporting from and about my beloved state of Wisconsin.” -Laura
We deeply appreciate every donation, and if you would like to add your name to the list of people who support fearless investigative reporting in Wisconsin, we would be thrilled to welcome you as a member!
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