Or that’s what we’re told when we approach major donors for support.
Why should we fund you, they ask, when you operate in one of the richest cities in the country?
Okay, Mission Local knows you’re not all Bill Gates. Which, inevitably, leads me to the joke about what happens when Bill Gates walks into a bar: The mean annual income of patrons rises to $91 million.
Sorry, I can never resist that one, and it’s probably out-of-date. But it makes a point: Gates aside, our average reader isn’t a billionaire. Not even a millionaire. And yet, we depend heavily on your support and are grateful for whatever you can contribute.
Which leads us to . . . yes! The end-of-the-year campaign. This is the busiest time of fundraising.
Why support Mission Local’s nonprofit model when San Francisco has three other for-profit sites? That’s another question we get.
And here’s our answer: Because we’re just so good and we cover what others miss.
For instance, when every other news site had a knee-jerk reaction to Bob Lee’s murder — that it was yet another sign of San Francisco’s dystopic decline — Joe Eskenazi was way ahead in reporting the truth: Bob Lee deserved better than to be killed — and then co-opted in death.
When no one else in the media went to a fire in a public housing project where one person was killed, we sent a reporter to cover the news, and followed up with stories that triggered hearings — and pushed the management company to hire a new manager.
Ditto in another Potrero Hill public housing series.
Our consistent coverage of the Police Commission pointed to the rampant misinformation on X.
So far this year, Mission Local has won five awards this year — all while training a workforce as diverse as the city.
We couldn’t be prouder. But to keep the lights on and the news coming, we need your continued support and we need to grow our donor base. So thank you for sticking with us, and if you’re just joining us now, a hearty welcome!
With thanks, as always,
Lydia