From Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, Coloradans can give to 42 local newsrooms across the state and make their gifts go further
DENVER (Oct. 22, 2026) – From Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, Coloradans who give to local news can make their gifts go further through #newsCOneeds, a statewide campaign led by Colorado Media Project (CMP). Backed by a $200,000 fund from CMP, the campaign supports 42 local newsrooms in communities across Colorado.
This year’s theme, “News for Coloradans, by Coloradans,” puts Coloradans at the center of local news on both ends. The reporters who cover city councils, school boards and county commissions live and work in the communities they cover. The people who keep that reporting going are Coloradans, too: the readers, listeners and viewers who give.
Local news covers the decisions that shape daily life but rarely make national headlines, from school board votes and city budgets to road closures and public safety. It also explains what decisions made at the state Capitol and in Washington mean for people in Colorado communities.
“This is news for Coloradans, by Coloradans,” said Kimberly Spencer, executive director of Colorado Media Project. “The reporters live and work here, and the people who make their work possible do, too. When Coloradans give to local news, they make sure someone is asking the hard questions about their schools, their taxes and their safety, and bringing back the answers. Every gift, at any size, helps people know what’s happening where they live before it’s too late to weigh in.”
Last year, Coloradans gave $794,000 to participating newsrooms through #newsCOneeds. This year, the goal is to raise more than $850,000 for local newsrooms across Colorado.
The 2026 campaign runs on ColoradoGives.org and includes several ways for gifts to go further:
- Nov. 1: The campaign opens.
- Through Dec. 8: Colorado Gives Foundation matches the first gift of new monthly donors, up to $100, while matching funds last.
- Dec. 1: #GivingNewsDay, a national day of giving to local news.
- Dec. 8: Colorado Gives Day, Colorado’s largest day of giving.
- Dec. 31: The campaign closes.
Coloradans who want to be part of news for Coloradans, by Coloradans can find the list of participating newsrooms and give starting Nov. 1 at https://f2yz1t.s.gy/newsCOneeds.
The 2026 #newsCOneeds fund is made possible through support to CMP from Bohemian Foundation, Democracy Fund, Colorado Health Foundation and Gates Family Foundation.
About Colorado Media Project
Colorado Media Project is the leading funding collective dedicated to strengthening Colorado’s local news and information ecosystem and ensuring every Coloradan has access to trusted, locally relevant information. By uniting foundations, newsrooms and community partners, CMP aligns strategies to invest and advocate for sustainable solutions that expand access, foster accountability and build stronger, more connected communities. Through strategic funding, thought leadership and advocacy, CMP helps ensure Coloradans remain informed and engaged to shape the future of their communities. CMP is the Colorado chapter of Press Forward. Learn more at coloradomediaproject.org.
