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Jolt publisher details fundraising gains, local projects and an August funding shortfall
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Summary
Danny Stusser, publisher of the nonprofit Jolt News, said the organization raised $165,000 through NewsMatch and local donors, representing roughly half the outlet’s budget, and appealed for an additional $120,000 by August to remain financially flat this year.
Danny Stusser, publisher and executive director of the local nonprofit news outlet the Jolt, updated attendees on operations, fundraising and plans at the forum hosted with the League of Women Voters.
Stusser said the Jolt’s most successful NewsMatch campaign raised $165,000, and combined with local giving that amount represents about half of the outlet’s budget. He reported that roughly 10% of revenue comes from advertising and national philanthropy that helped in earlier years has largely receded. Stusser said the Jolt is operating near a break‑even point but faces a funding gap of about $120,000 that he wants to close by August to remain flat for the year.
Stusser described recent capacity increases: the newsroom has expanded output to an average of about eight headlines per day; the Jolt will host a Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism student this summer (with the school funding roughly one‑third of the placement); and the Jolt plans more local collaborations and video production. He announced a new weekly “Savvy Citizen” news quiz in partnership with the League of Women Voters and said the outlet is seeking volunteer editorial contributions, board members and community hosts for the intern.
Stusser emphasized the Jolt’s editorial ethic of no paywall: ‘‘Our ethic is to not have a paywall...the news has to get out there,’’ he said. He asked the audience to donate, spread the word and help recruit volunteers and board members.
Stusser framed the appeal as urgent but not yet an emergency, and said sustaining the Jolt will likely require local philanthropy, endowments or public support over time. The presentation closed with applause and offers of help from attendees; there was no formal action taken during the event.
