Claremont Courier Inc Donor Transparency Policy

Purpose

The Claremont Courier is a nonprofit, independent news organization committed to providing accurate, fact-based local journalism in the public interest. As a 501(c)(3) hybrid print and digital organization, we rely on donations, grants, sponsorships and advertising to support our mission. This donor transparency policy is designed to ensure public trust, protect editorial independence, and clearly define the relationship between financial support and journalistic decision-making.

Editorial Independence

The Claremont Courier maintains full editorial independence from all donors, sponsors, advertisers, foundations, and funders. Financial contributions do not influence news coverage, editorial decisions, story selection, headlines, or the framing of issues. Donors have no role in determining what the Courier covers or how stories are reported or edited.

Acceptance of Donations

The Claremont Courier accepts donations from individuals, businesses, foundations, and nonprofit organizations that support our mission of serving the Claremont community with reliable local journalism. We reserve the right to decline donations that conflict with our mission, compromise our independence, or create the appearance of undue influence.

Donor Influence

Donations are made with the understanding that they do not entitle the donor to:

• Prior review of content
• Influence over editorial decisions
• Favorable coverage or suppression of coverage
• Control over newsroom staffing or assignments
• All editorial decisions are made by the Courier’s editorial leadership in accordance with journalistic ethics and standards.

Disclosure of Donors

• The Claremont Courier is committed to transparency regarding its funding sources.
• Major donors, foundations, and institutional funders may be publicly acknowledged on our website, in print, or in annual reports, unless a donor requests anonymity.
• Anonymous donations are accepted, but anonymity does not grant any editorial influence.
• When a donor has a direct connection to a subject covered in a story, that relationship will be disclosed to readers when relevant.

Sponsored Content and Advertising

Advertising, sponsorships, and paid announcements are clearly labeled and visually distinguished from editorial content. Sponsored content does not influence news reporting and is produced separately from the newsroom.

Use of Donations

Donations support the general operations of the Claremont Courier, including reporting, editing, photography, publishing, community engagement, and administrative costs. Restricted gifts may be accepted only when they align with our mission and do not interfere with editorial independence.

Conflicts of Interest

Courier staff, board members, and contributors are expected to disclose potential conflicts of interest. Journalists do not solicit donations and are insulated from fundraising activities whenever possible.

Accountability

The Claremont Courier complies with all applicable nonprofit reporting requirements and maintains financial oversight through its board of directors. We strive to provide donors and the public with clear information about our mission, governance, and use of funds.

Commitment to the Community

The Claremont Courier exists to serve the public, not private interests. Our relationship with donors is rooted in shared support for strong local journalism, civic engagement, and an informed community.

Transparency and ethics: Q & A

Who owns the Claremont Courier?

The Claremont Courier is an independent, nonprofit news organization. It operates as a 501(c)(3) and exists to serve the Claremont community with fact-based local journalism.

How is the Courier funded?

We are supported through a mix of subscriptions, donations, grants, advertising, and sponsorships. This diversified funding helps sustain our reporting and operations.

Do donors influence coverage?

No. Donors, sponsors, and advertisers have no influence over editorial decisions, story selection, or news coverage.

Can donors review or approve stories?

No. All editorial decisions are made independently by the Courier’s editorial leadership.

Are donors disclosed?

Major donors and institutional funders may be publicly acknowledged unless anonymity is requested. Anonymous donations do not receive editorial influence. When a financial relationship is relevant to a story, it is disclosed to readers.

How do you separate news from advertising?

Advertising and sponsored content are clearly labeled and kept separate from editorial content so readers can easily tell the difference.

What about conflicts of interest?

Courier staff, contributors, and board members are expected to disclose potential conflicts of interest. Journalists are insulated from fundraising whenever possible.

What is your commitment to readers?

Our responsibility is to the public. The Claremont Courier is committed to honest, independent local journalism that serves the community, not private interests.