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Why support us? We’re an independent, nonprofit newsroom committed to holding Big Ag and government accountable to the public. More details can be found in our FAQ.

The air you breathe, the food you eat, and the water you drink deserve watchdog reporting.

At Investigate Midwest, we expose the power structures behind U.S. agriculture — an essential part of the national economy and daily life.

From pesticide use and environmental damage to market consolidation and labor exploitation, we investigate the policies and players shaping how food is produced, who profits, and who pays the price.

See the readers who support our work

— Erin Orr
executive director

Our most popular membership tiers

Field Reporter
$5/month or $60/year

• Early access to major investigations and behind-the-scenes reporting
• Access to Rooted, our monthly newsletter featuring in-depth reporting
• Recognition on our website for supporting independent journalism

Watchdog Advocate
$21/month or $250/year

• Priority access to live panel discussions with reporters and subject-matter experts
• All Field Reporter benefits

Fourth Estate Guild
$42/month or $500+/year

• Invitations to small-group engagement sessions with our investigative team
• All Watchdog Advocate benefits

More ways to support

Guardian of the Press
$84/month or $1,000+/year

• All Watchdog Advocate benefits
• Access to Insider, a quarterly newsletter with updates from newsroom leadership

Beacon of Truth
$416/month or $5,000+/year

• All Guardian of the Press benefits
• Direct engagement opportunities with newsroom leadership
• Recognition as a major donor on our website and in Insider

FAQ

What does my donation do?

Your tax-deductible donation helps us do our job. In part, it pays for our newsroom to dig deep on important agribusiness and agricultural issues in the Midwest that impact people throughout the world. 

Our work is shared for republication with media outlets across the country, which helps fill the gap between the lack of newsroom resources and critical, in-depth coverage of issues impacting our food systems in rural communities as well as urban areas.

Can I send my donation by mail?

Yes, you can send it to:

Investigate Midwest
701 Devonshire Dr., C-33
Champaign, IL 61820

Our EIN is 27-165830.

Can I make a tax-free IRA gift?

Yes — if you’re 70 ½ or older! This Qualified Charitable Distribution counts toward your required minimum and supports public service, accountability reporting.

Will I receive a receipt?

Yes, you will receive a thank you and a receipt for your tax-deductible donation.

What is your donation policy?

We are an independent nonprofit newsroom. No donations alter our journalistic integrity or influence our decisions.

Have another question we didn’t answer here?

Contact us at (312) 970-0395 or email Executive Director Erin Orr.

Thank you to our members!

*Current as of 3/31/2026

For members who donated $5/month, $60/year or more

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For members who donated $21/month, $250/year or more

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For members who donated $42/month, $500/year or more

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For members who donated $84/month, $1,000/year or more

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  • Thomas & Janet Schultz Fund

For members who donated $416/month, $5,000/year or more

  • David S.

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