The Community Journalism Fund

The Community Journalism Fund was established to strengthen local news coverage and support independent journalism across Schenectady County. The Schenectady Foundation is proud to support this initiative of The Daily Gazette as a fiscal sponsor, helping to sustain and expand local journalism that informs and connects our community.

Through the Community Journalism Fund, the focus is to expand coverage of the issues that shape daily life across Schenectady County — from health and education to equity and opportunity. By investing in local media and supporting credible, community-based journalism, the fund ensures residents remain informed and connected while promoting transparency and strengthening civic engagement throughout the county.

Donations to this fund are managed by The Schenectady Foundation and used solely to hire reporters dedicated to continuing local news coverage. Every contribution helps shine a light on the stories that matter most and ensures that honest, independent reporting continues to thrive right here in our community.

Have questions about how the Community Journalism Fund works? To learn more, please read our FAQs below.

What is the Community Journalism Fund?

The Community Journalism Fund was established to strengthen local news coverage and support independent journalism across The Gazette News Group’s coverage area. Established by The Gazette News Group, The Community Journalism Fund is managed through The Schenectady Foundation, which serves as the fiscal sponsor for this initiative.

The Fund supports independent, public-service reporting focused on the issues that shape life across our region. Reporters funded through this initiative operate independently of the newsroom’s daily coverage, pursuing in-depth, accountability-driven projects that serve the public interest.

Your contribution helps ensure this reporting remains freely accessible to all — not behind a paywall — and continues to inform and strengthen communities across The Gazette News Group’s coverage areas.

Why does the Community Journalism Fund exist?

Independent local journalism plays a vital role in how our community understands — and improves — the institutions that shape our daily lives. Yet as newsroom resources shrink, the kind of in-depth, accountability reporting that keeps those institutions honest is becoming harder to sustain.

The Community Journalism Fund exists to protect that work. Your support gives The Daily Gazette’s reporters the time and freedom to investigate how policies are made, how dollars are spent, and how those decisions affect real people across our region. Every contribution keeps this reporting independent, factual, and accessible to all — ensuring our community is covered with the depth, integrity, and scrutiny it deserves.

How will my contribution be used?

100% of every contribution to the Community Journalism Fund directly supports impactful local journalism. The Daily Gazette is launching their first round of investigative coverage within the health care industry — examining access, equity, and accountability across our region. This work marks the beginning of a broader effort to expand in-depth, public-interest investigative journalism that keeps our community informed and empowered.

What can I expect from this initiative?

The Daily Gazette is starting with what matters most — your health and the health of our community. The first project funds an investigative reporter dedicated to a deep-dive in health care coverage, examining access, affordability, and the human stories behind the headlines.

But that’s just the beginning. This initiative is designed to expand over time, allowing The Daily Gazette to hire additional journalists to explore the issues that shape our region.

Is my contribution tax-deductible?

Yes. Contributions to the Community Journalism Fund are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Community Journalism Fund is managed through The Schenectady Foundation, whom serves as the fiscal sponsor for this initiative. Upon making your donation, you will receive an email confirmation and receipt for your records.

How can I contribute?

You can donate directly through our secure online form here.

How will I know my contribution is making an impact?

The Daily Gazette regularly updates their supporters through their donor newsletter and occasional behind-the-scenes features highlighting projects funded by your contributions. You’ll see the difference your support makes in the stories they publish.

Who can I contact with questions?

For more information about the Community Journalism Fund or contributing options, please contact our Community Relations Associate, Aaliyah Outlaw. Email: aoutlaw@schenectadyfoundation.org or Phone (518) 393-9500