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Why you can trust Investigate Midwest
News you can count on. Made possible by you.
Published:

Every investigation we publish starts with you

Nov. 11, 2025

We believe that independent, nonprofit news is essential to a healthy community. And, as an Investigate Midwest reader, we’re guessing you feel the same way.

We’ll be honest: 2025 has been a challenging year for independent news. And the costs of data-driven investigative reporting continue to rise — from records fees, essential tech and software our journalists need to do this work, to sitting with workers risking everything to tell their stories.

But we keep going because it’s times like these that you need our local reporting the most. We’re committed to producing deep data-driven and human-centered stories, interactive tools and events, and clear explainers that hold Big Ag accountable. Why? To help people understand the stakes — and take action. It’s what you’ve come to expect from us and what we’re proud to deliver.

As a nonprofit newsroom, every story we produce is powered by our audience. Once again, we’re participating in NewsMatch, a nationwide movement to strengthen nonprofit news. Between now and Dec. 31, your investment in Investigate Midwest will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $28,000 in matching funds. However, our bigger goal is $35,000 outright.

If you’ve been on the fence about giving, there’s never been a better time. Will you join in this collective effort to strengthen nonprofit local news?

With gratitude,

Erin Orr,

Executive Director

P.S. NewsMatch only runs through Dec. 31! Give now to ensure your gift is matched and your impact is tripled.

Investigate Midwest relies on donations, and fundraisers like this one, to exist. We appreciate your patience with extra emails during these times. Thanks for being a part of the Investigate Midwest community.

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THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS

Reva & David Logan Foundation, Inasmuch Foundation, Lumpkin Family Foundation, Builders Vision Philanthropy, Gary Marx Journalism Fund, Kirkpatrick Foundation, Chicago Region Food System Fund, Illinois Food Movement Fund, GRACE Communications, Good Chaos, Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute, Fund for Investigative Journalism, Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting, Rural News Network, Google News Initiative, Data-Driven Reporting Project, Arnold Ventures.

We are proud to hold the Candid Seal of Transparency, demonstrating our commitment to openness and accountability in all that we do.

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