Which nonprofit New Jersey news orgs should you support for Giving Tuesday in 2024?
Here’s a list of reputable nonprofit news organizations in New Jersey that are participating in #GivingTuesday this year
Today is #GivingTuesday! We at the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University figured that — since you probably haven’t seen enough emails and posts this morning urging you to donate to your favorite nonprofit organizations — we would graciously add one more to your feed.
As we often do at the Center, we’d like to highlight an often-overlooked but vital part of our democracy: local nonprofit news. Independent news organizations are the backbone of informed communities, holding power accountable and providing crucial context for the issues we face.
In New Jersey, this is especially critical. Our state’s unique blend of dense urban areas, sprawling suburbs, and rural communities creates a need for hyper-local reporting that addresses the nuances of each region. Yet, nonprofit newsrooms often operate on shoestring budgets, relying heavily on reader support to stay afloat.
New Jersey’s nonprofit news organizations play a pivotal role in addressing the gaps left by traditional media. From investigating environmental concerns along the Delaware River to covering issues of housing, education, local governance, and more — these organizations are lifelines for accountability and community engagement.
By supporting these organizations, you’re not only funding essential journalism — you’re investing in the strength and resilience of New Jersey communities.
Here’s a list of reputable nonprofit newsrooms in New Jersey that you can support this #GivingTuesday:
- Chalkbeat Newark: Focuses on education reporting, addressing critical questions for New Jersey educators, families, and residents.
- CivicStory: Based in Summit, this organization amplifies sustainability initiatives and actions throughout New Jersey.
- Climate Central: Based in Princeton, this organization communicates climate change impacts and solutions effectively.
- Delaware Currents: Offers in-depth reporting on issues related to the Delaware River, connecting communities along its basin.
- FoodBank News: A Maplewood-based national news source spotlighting best practices to generate effective solutions to hunger.
- Montclair Local: Born from the belief that communities deserve dedicated news coverage, serving Montclair with in-depth reporting.
- New Jersey Monitor: Strives to hold powerful entities accountable, explaining their actions’ effects on New Jerseyans statewide.
- NJArts.net: Provides in-depth news, reviews, features, listings, and more coverage of all the arts across New Jersey.
- NJ Spotlight News: Provides comprehensive coverage of statewide issues, offering context and perspective on happenings in Trenton.
- Public Square Amplified: A newsroom founded by Black women, focusing on community-driven journalism and storytelling.
- Shelterforce: The only independent publication covering community development, affordable housing, and neighborhood stabilization.
- The Corporation for New Jersey Local Media: Dedicated to building strong communities through journalism and civic engagement.
- The Jersey Bee: Provides comprehensive news coverage for Essex County, fostering informed and engaged communities.
- The Jersey Vindicator: A new independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to statewide, data-driven investigative reporting.
By supporting these organizations, you’re helping to ensure the continuation of quality journalism that informs and empowers our communities. Local nonprofit newsrooms are not just about stories — they’re about solutions, progress, and fostering a sense of connection in a state as diverse as ours.
This GivingTuesday, your contribution can make a real difference. Whether it’s $5 or $500, every dollar goes directly toward creating impactful journalism that benefits us all. Let’s show up for New Jersey’s nonprofit newsrooms and ensure their work continues to thrive for years to come.
☝️ Did we miss anyone?
Leave a comment below and let us know! Or send an email to the Center at info@centerforcooperativemedia.org and we’ll make sure to add them to the list.
Joe Amditis is the assistant director of operations at the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University. Contact him at amditisj@montclair.edu or on Twitter at @jsamditis.
About the Center for Cooperative Media: The Center is a grant-funded program of the School of Communication and Media at Montclair State University. Its mission is to grow and strengthen local journalism, and in doing so serve New Jersey residents. The Center is supported with funding from Montclair State University, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Democracy Fund, the New Jersey Local News Lab (a partnership of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Democracy Fund, and Community Foundation of New Jersey), and the Abrams Foundation. For more information, visit centerforcooperativemedia.org.
