About the Community News Fund

How can a for-profit newspaper accept tax-deductible donations?

We don't accept the donations directly. Gifts are made to the Community News Fund, a program of the Mississippi Press Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We then apply to that fund for specific Dispatch newsroom projects. That's what makes your gift tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, while still funding our reporting.

What do donations actually pay for?

Running a newsroom is expensive, and some of the most important work — records requests, legal costs, in-depth investigations — doesn't fit neatly into a weekly budget. We apply to the Community News Fund to help cover things like Freedom of Information Act requests, legal fees, and special investigative projects.

Any story supported by the Fund is marked as such, so you can see exactly how these gifts are put to use. This site will also list the specific projects the Fund has supported.

Why should I donate if the paper's owners are financially comfortable?

We're trying to pioneer new, sustainable ways to fund local journalism — not just patch a budget gap. Being locally owned has let us do something most newsrooms our size can't: hire a dedicated development professional to build this the right way.

As we find approaches that work, we plan to share them with other local newsrooms across the state. The goal isn't just to make this work for The Dispatch — it's to find something that can work for community news more broadly.

Can I direct my gift toward a specific story?

We never want to create the impression that coverage can be bought. You're always welcome to suggest a story — talk to anyone in our newsroom, or email tips@cdispatch.com — but donors don't get input on which stories run or how they're covered.

A gift won't guarantee a particular story, but it will always go toward government accountability, education reporting, or coverage of underserved communities.

How do I make a donation?

Online: Use the "Give Now" button anywhere on this site — donations are processed securely and go directly to the Mississippi Press Foundation.

By check: Make checks payable to Mississippi Press Foundation, with "The Commercial Dispatch" in the memo line. Mail to:

You're also welcome to drop a check off with us directly and we'll forward it.

Is there a minimum or maximum gift?

No. Gifts of $5,000 or more may be subject to additional reporting requirements under federal tax law. If you're considering a gift at that level and have questions about what that involves, contact Susan Wilder at swilder@cdispatch.com or (662) 328-2424 x166 — happy to walk through the details before you give.

Can I give anonymously?

Yes. If you're giving by check, include a note letting the Mississippi Press Foundation know you'd prefer not to be publicly recognized. For gifts of $5,000 or more, some information may still need to be reported as part of standard nonprofit tax filings, even when we don't publicize your name.

If you're giving online and would like to remain anonymous, contact Susan Wilder at swilder@cdispatch.com or (662) 328-2424 x166 before you give, and we'll help you find the best way to do that.

Can I get recognition for my donation?

If you'd like. Gifts of $250 or more can be recognized, at your request, on this site and in periodic print edition acknowledgments. Recognition is always optional — just let us know your preference when you give.