Explore membership
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- Explore membership
This page provides information on the benefits and costs of membership, the different types of membership, and the application process. Details on Non Profit Media’s membership standards can be found here.
Before applying, please review the information on this page to ensure your organization is a good fit for membership. Additional details are available on our FAQ page.
Learn About Non Profit Media and Our Mission.
Non Profit Media is a collaborative network of independent, nonprofit, and nonpartisan news organizations.
Our member newsrooms produce high-quality journalism that promotes civic engagement, provides a platform for diverse voices including those historically underrepresented in media and holds public figures accountable.
When an organization becomes a member, all staff gain access to the network and its benefits. We invite you to learn more and consider joining Non Profit Media
Discover the Benefits of Joining Non Profit Media.
Members of Non Profit Media gain access to resources, training opportunities, and tools that enhance journalists’ skills, support organizational success and sustainability, expand audience reach, and foster new models for nonprofit media.
Here are some of the ways Non Profit Media membership can support your organization’s growth, whether you are an established newsroom, a growing team, or still in the concept stage.
Benefits and Resources for Every Member
Discover the resources and opportunities available to all Non Profit Media members to support growth, skills, and networking.
Partnering on Stories
Collaborate with other newsrooms to strengthen reporting and reach a wider audience.
Join Non Profit Media Events
Members can attend webinars, trainings, and events like Non Profit Media Days, our annual nonprofit journalism conference.
Participate in NewsMatch
Non Profit Media helps growing newsrooms increase their donations through this dollar-for-dollar match program.
Non Profit Media Giving Roadmap
This first-of-its-kind program for nonprofit media helps members assess their fundraising progress and master the path to major donor success.
Collaborative Fundraising Support for Members
Members receive free or discounted access to prospect research, wealth screenings, donor profiles, and grant writing services.
Promoting Equity and Inclusion in Nonprofit News
REINN guides leaders in building racial equity into their practices, accessible to newsrooms of all sizes and DEI stages.
Explore the Non Profit Media Index
The Non Profit Media Index delivers in-depth insights on staffing, finances, business models, and editorial focus for nonprofit newsrooms.
Connect with Peers in Our Communities
Non Profit Media’s Slack channels help members connect with peers to share knowledge, ask questions, and join virtual meet-ups like our monthly ‘From the Field’ discussions.
Non Profit Media Listserv
Non Profit Media members use the email listserv to connect and communicate with colleagues across the network.
Non Profit Media Career Center
Members have free access to post job openings on the Non Profit Media Jobs Board to attract top talent.
Legal Support and Media Liability Insurance
Consultations – Non Profit Media partners with experts to offer free or discounted legal and media liability insurance consultations.
Journalism Tools for Members
Non Profit Media offers members discounted access to a range of powerful journalism tools, including newsletter monetization, AI content assistance, and HR management solutions.
Member Health Insurance and Payroll Solutions
Through a partnership with Justworks, members save on health insurance, payroll, and other benefits, including two free months on the platform.
Explore the Non Profit Media Philanthropy Center
Members without dedicated development staff can benefit from one-on-one consultations with Non Profit Media experts and access shared resources.
Support for Startups and Emerging Nonprofits
Non Profit Media provides guidance, resources, and mentorship for new and early-stage nonprofit news organizations. From fundraising advice to operational support, we help you build a strong foundation and grow sustainably.
Fiscal Sponsorship Opportunities
Save time and effort by having Non Profit Media serve as your 501(c)(3) sponsor, enabling you to receive tax-deductible donations while building your operations.
Non Profit Media Guide for Startups
Resources and tools to help you launch an independent newsroom and build a successful nonprofit media organization.
Workshops and Sessions for Startups
From concept to launch, Non Profit Media coaches guide you on community engagement, 501(c)(3) setup, board building, transparency, funding, and essential business and news strategies.
Support for Newspaper-to-Nonprofit Conversions
Check out our nonprofit conversion case studies, and join our startup sessions if you’re a for-profit outlet exploring nonprofit options. We can help you determine if a 501(c)(3) is right for your organization.
Support for Established Members
Non Profit Media offers tailored resources and programs to help established news organizations grow sustainably, strengthen operations, expand audience reach, and innovate in journalism and business strategies.
Content Sharing & Distribution
Members can distribute content through third-party platforms secured by Non Profit Media, reaching new readers and generating revenue. Platforms include NewsBreak, SmartNews, Patch, and Nextdoor.
Internship and Fellowship Opportunities
Non Profit Media collaborates with schools and nonprofits to match members with talented interns, with salary subsidies to support newsroom capacity and provide valuable experience for interns.
Non Profit Media Compensation Study
Non Profit Media’s Compensation Study offers role-specific salary and benefits data for member newsrooms, free for participants and discounted for others.
Membership Eligibility: Who Can Join Non Profit Media
Non Profit Media membership is open to independent, nonprofit news organizations that operate as nonprofits, produce high-quality journalism, maintain editorial independence, are transparent about funding, and follow our ethics and best practices.
Types of membership
Full Mebership
Full membership is open to organizations that publish regular, high-quality original reporting, follow strong journalistic standards, maintain editorial independence, avoid advocacy or conflicts of interest, and report for a general audience.
Affiliate membership
Affiliate Membership
Non Profit Media welcomes organizations that support public service journalism but aren’t primarily newsrooms.
Benefits: Join peer groups and Slack channels, access discounted training, events, and shared services, and collaborate to support our mission.
Who qualifies: Journalism support nonprofits, accredited university journalism programs, and programs supporting nonprofit newsrooms’ financial health.
Who doesn’t qualify: B Corporations, 501(c)(4) nonprofits, non-journalism publications, and cause communications, corporate, or trade outlets.
Provisional Membership for New or Developing Newsrooms
Available for select news startups led by experienced journalists before launch. Most join after publishing.
Requirements: Editorial independence and transparency, experienced leadership, advisory/board, state incorporation, 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsorship.
How to Apply
Organizations apply to join Non Profit Media and are vetted for ethics, transparency, independence, and journalistic quality. Applications are reviewed by staff, then the Membership Task Force or Board for approval.
Once accepted, members pay dues ($150–$1,500/year based on revenue) and sign the Membership Agreement. Applicants can schedule a one-on-one call with the membership team before applying.