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The Battle Continues: Fund Fearless Journalism for 2026
Raw Story Needs Your Help to Keep Fighting for Truth in 2023
The Big Picture: Why This Matters Right Now
Imagine a playground where some kids make up rules that aren’t fair, hide the truth, and try to stop others from playing. That’s kind of what’s happening in America right now — but with much higher stakes.
Important Point
Democracy is like a team sport — it only works when everyone plays by the rules and has a fair say. Right now, Raw Story says some leaders are breaking those rules, and journalists are needed to call them out.
As we move through the second half of 2023, Raw Story (a progressive news website) says the fight for democracy is getting harder. They’re seeing:
- Lies being spread on purpose
- Corruption (when people in power cheat for personal gain)
- Violence and threats against rights
- Senate Republicans blocking popular laws that most Americans want
Who Is Raw Story and Why Do They Need Help?
Think of Raw Story like a neighborhood watch for the whole country. Their job is to:
- Investigate what’s really happening
- Report the truth without hiding it
- Give people the facts they need to make good decisions
- Stand up when powerful people try to silence others
But here’s the problem: Running a newsroom costs money — like paying reporters, editors, fact-checkers, and keeping the lights on.
Did You Know?
Raw Story has over 5,000 subscribers already supporting them. That’s like filling a small theater with people who believe in honest news!
The Challenge: Journalism Is Expensive and Hard
Making real news isn’t free. Think about it like this:
| What News Costs | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Reporters’ salaries | People who dig for the truth need to eat and pay rent |
| Legal protection | Powerful people sue journalists to scare them into silence |
| Technology & tools | Secure servers, encryption, databases for investigations |
| Fact-checking | Making sure every single detail is 100% correct |
| Independence | No billionaire owners telling them what to write |
Raw Story says: "We want to maintain the sanctity of our newsroom when we’re needed the most, and we cannot fight without you."
How You Can Help (Step-by-Step)
Option 1: Become a Monthly Supporter (Best Value!)
- Give $10 or more per month (that’s about 33¢ a day — less than a candy bar!)
- Get instant access to RawStory+ Membership
- Enjoy these perks:
- Ad-free reading — no annoying pop-ups or trackers
- Original investigative reporting — stories no one else has
- Exclusive content — deep dives you can’t find anywhere else
- AlterNet access too — two news sites for one price!
Option 2: One-Time Donation
- Give $95 or more once (same yearly total as $10/month)
- Get all the same RawStory+ perks
- Click here for one-time donation → Donate Once
Option 3: Donate via PayPal
- Use your PayPal account (quick and secure)
- Choose any amount you’re comfortable with
- Click here for PayPal → Donate via PayPal
Option 4: Just Keep Reading (Free Support!)
Remember:
If you can’t donate, your readership is MORE than enough. Sharing articles, commenting, and staying informed — that ALL helps!
Where Does Your Money Go?
Raw Story is transparent about this. Your support funds:
- Original investigative reporting — journalists digging through documents, interviewing sources, uncovering hidden stories
- RawStory+ Membership Program — building the ad-free, exclusive experience for supporters
- Newsroom operations — keeping the independent press running
Important Note:
Donations are NOT tax-deductible. Raw Story is a for-profit news company (not a charity), so the IRS doesn’t count this as a charitable donation. But you’re still supporting something vital: independent journalism.
Why Independent Journalism Matters (ELI5 Version)
Think of news like weather forecasts:
- Corporate-owned news = A forecast paid for by an umbrella company (might downplay rain to sell more umbrellas)
- Government news = A forecast from the mayor (might say it’s sunny even during a storm)
- Independent news (Raw Story) = A forecast from your neighbor with a weather station who has no reason to lie
When news is independent:
- No hidden agendas — they work for YOU, not advertisers or politicians
- Real investigations — they can spend months on one story
- Accountability — they watch the powerful so you don’t have to
Summary: The Choice Is Simple
| If You Value… | Then Consider… |
|---|---|
| Truth over spin | Supporting Raw Story |
| Investigative journalism | $10/month for RawStory+ |
| Ad-free reading | One-time $95 donation |
| Independent media | Any amount via PayPal |
| Democracy & accountability | Even just sharing their stories |
Raw Story’s message: "We cannot fight without you."
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Is Raw Story a legitimate news source?
Yes! Raw Story has been publishing since 2004. They’re known for progressive investigative reporting and breaking stories that larger outlets miss. They have a loyal readership of 5,000+ paying subscribers.
What exactly is RawStory+?
It’s their membership program. For $10/month or $95/year, you get:
- Completely ad-free experience on Raw Story AND AlterNet
- Exclusive investigative articles
- Early access to special reports
- No tracking cookies or pop-ups
Why aren’t donations tax-deductible?
Raw Story is a for-profit company (like The New York Times or Washington Post), not a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Only donations to registered charities are tax-deductible. But your money still directly funds journalism.
Can I really make a difference with just $10?
Absolutely! If 1,000 people give $10/month = $120,000/year. That pays for a full-time investigative reporter. Small amounts from many people = independent power.
What if I can’t afford to donate right now?
No guilt! Raw Story explicitly says: "If you cannot contribute, your readership is more than enough." Reading, sharing, and engaging with their journalism helps them more than you know.
Final Thought:
Democracy isn’t a spectator sport. It needs investigators, truth-tellers, and yes — financial supporters. Whether you give $10, $95, or just your attention, you’re part of keeping the lights on in the newsroom when America needs it most.
