Editorial Independence

The Cleveland Observer is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. We accept gifts, grants, and sponsorships from individuals, organizations, corporations, and foundations. Our news judgments are made independently. Supporters have no control over our editorial decisions. They do not have the right to assign, review, or edit any content.

Our organization will make public all donors, including those who give a total of $5,000 or more per year. We will accept anonymous donations for general support only if it is clear that sufficient safeguards have been put into place that the expenditure of that donation is made independently by our organization and in compliance with the Institute for Nonprofit News Membership Standards.

We accept gifts, grants and sponsorships from individuals and organizations for the general support of our activities, but our news judgments are made independently and not on the basis of donor support.

The Cleveland Observer is committed to transparency. We make public all donors who give $5,000 or more per year. We avoid accepting donations from anonymous sources. And we do not accept donations from sources that present a conflict of interest or compromise our independence.

Independent contractors are expected to use sound judgment to avoid actual or perceived conflicts between their personal interests and their work with The Cleveland Observer. As engaged members of our city, staff may be involved in creative and civic activities or employment outside of the newsroom. Independent contractors are asked to sign a Conflict of Interest statement upon hire and to update it as situations change so actual or potential conflicts of interest are documented in writing.

Questions about funding? Please reach out to us at info@cleobserver.com.

The following list represents all donors who have given $5,000 or more to The Cleveland Observer:

• Neighbor Up
• The Cleveland Foundation
• Solutions Journalism Network

Become a member

Our Board