As executive director of The Sopris Sun, I am thrilled to share exceptional news. We have been selected as a Press Forward grant recipient from a highly competitive national pool of more than 950 for-profit and nonprofit news media organizations, recognizing our commitment to quality journalism and community service. In a time when local news is more vital — and more endangered — than ever, being part of this inaugural cohort of 205 newsrooms across the nation is not just an honor; it’s a powerful testament to the impact we’re making together, right here in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys — from Parachute to Aspen.

Since our founding in 2009 as one of the country’s first nonprofit community newspapers, we have dedicated ourselves to delivering journalism that informs and empowers you, our readers. The whole-hearted, generous support of our community has always been critical to our success. We have created a space where diverse voices and creativity can flourish. For this, our coverage has received dozens of awards from the Colorado Press Association, reflecting the hard work of our talented team and the significance of our mission.

With this grant from Press Forward, alongside recent grants from the Aspen Community Foundation, the Western Colorado Community Foundation/Colby’s Fund and the Rose Community Foundation, we have a unique opportunity to elevate our mission further. These grants represent collective belief in our purpose.

Importantly, regional and national funders invest in The Sopris Sun because our community does. Your contributions demonstrate our community value to national and state funders. Combined, this support empowers us to address critical information gaps and enhance initiatives like our Spanish-language equity program, Sol del Valle, and our Youth News Bureau education project, born of the education void left by the disappearance of journalism classes in local schools. To sustain this momentum, we need your continued support.

With two newspapers and a youth education program now under our stewardship, our annual budget exceeds $900,000 — roughly $18,000 per week — in 2025, which is double our annual budget of just two years ago!

These grants together represent less than 10% of our needed revenue over the next year. The long-term health of The Sopris Sun depends on local support. As we navigate the evolving landscape of local journalism, including collaborations with other media, I invite you to help us reimagine what a diverse community-
run newsroom can achieve. Every contribution — whether it’s a donation, sponsorship, advertising or volunteering — helps us uphold our commitment to community-centric journalism.

Imagine a future where every resident has free access to reliable, engaging information; where diverse stories are celebrated; where education and empowerment thrive. With your support, we are well on our way to making this vision a reality. Your generosity will enable us to continue illuminating the stories that matter, ensuring our community remains informed and connected, regardless of age or language.

These momentous grants are more than financial aid; they are crucial to our journey together. Starting Nov. 1, several matching grants will be unlocked, matching every dollar you donate up to $40,000, as we strive to reach $100,000 or 12% of our annual budget with local donations by year’s-end.

This is a chance to enhance your support for your local nonprofit newsroom and help us create a stronger, more engaged community. I invite you to consider making a donation today, whether as a one-time gift or as a recurring monthly contribution at www.coloradogives.org/donate/TheSoprisSun

If you’re interested in sponsorship or affordable advertising opportunities, please reach out to me directly at Todd@soprissun.com

Thank you for being part of this journey with us and for your unwavering support of The Sopris Sun. Together, we are building something truly unique and making a lasting impact! Your support will keep local journalism alive and empower us to serve you and our community meaningfully for years to come. Let’s stand united to ensure our voices are heard, our stories celebrated, and our community thrives!