Our most in-depth pieces, like our investigation into incarcerating people at the Secure Psychiatric Unit at state prison even though they haven’t committed a crime, are months in the making. Our small band of expert journalists (unpaid and underpaid) spend countless hours sourcing, editing, and going through the final story line by line to ensure it’s legally sound.
Much of our 2017 resources were also spent on stories about the proposed Northern Pass high-voltage transmission line from Pittsburg to Deerfield. It became evident early on that most news media in NH spent little time reporting on Northern Pass beyond news releases from people and organizations with a monetary interest in the outcome. We felt compelled to cover the long, complex hearings in Concord where regulators will decide whether it will get the green light and spend time on Northern Pass issues outside of the hearings.
Before I post a story, I ask, “Why does this story matter to New Hampshire? How does the public benefit by knowing this information?” I don’t select stories because they will get a lot of clicks on the Internet to please advertisers.
That’s only part of it, though. Everyone plays a role, even people whose names you don’t see on the stories, most of whom donate their time or are paid very little compared to their worth. By making a donation, you’re supporting everyone here allowing InDepthNH.org to remain a place where investigative journalism can thrive and grow, along with showcasing our talented columnists who are all based in New Hampshire.
We have been able to do so much in 2017 because of people like you. We also were awarded a $50,000 grant from the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund through the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation in 2017 that will run out tomorrow. We will apply again in a few weeks for grants through the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and hope for donations now that will help us continue our work.
We apply for many grants and are always interested in new foundations and donors who care about the future of news in NH. Please email me if you know of other grants and foundations or would like to become a major donor or advertiser at nancywestnews@gmail.com. Many thanks. I will send an update tomorrow and know you will do your best. Thanks to all of you have already donated. It may seem impossible to raise $18,972 in just over one day, but the stakes are high. As the Washington Post reminds us, Democracy Dies in Darkness. Thanks, Nancy West
(watch for updates on FB) Call me with questions 603-738-5635
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