Community rallies to raise $30,000 for local journalism

EPHRATA – On Saturday afternoon, some 100 individuals from across the state gathered at the historic Nat Washington House to enjoy food and fellowship, and to support something vital: the return of local news.

Since the Grant County Journal newspaper ceased publication in June 2023, our conversations are quieter, civic engagement has waned, and trust in our local institutions is fraying. Without a dedicated, locally based news source, many of us have felt disconnected from our community.

But this weekend, connections were renewed.

Supporters of the newly formed nonprofit newsroom, GCJ.news, celebrated a shared vision: to restore community journalism. They explored displays on the impact of “news deserts” in small towns and heard speakers share both personal stories and academic research on what happens when local reporting disappears – lower voter turnout, less public accountability, and neighbors growing into strangers.

The message was clear: Local news isn’t just information -- it binds a community together.

Saturday’s event raised over $30,000. Combined with other prior contributions, GCJ.news has thus far received over $50,000 from generous donors. The monies mark an important first step toward the organization’s annual goal of $215,000 to fund three full-time positions – an editor, a reporter/IT administrator, and a development director. Other operational costs include media insurance, software licenses, credit card fees, and technology purchases.

Many in attendance expressed their appreciation and hope that GCJ.news will provide coverage which keeps Ephrata informed and engaged, now and in the future. Thanks to their generosity, the first chapter of this story has been written.

As a nonprofit newsroom, GCJ.news will continue to rely on financial support from the community in order to provide fair and accurate reporting for the greater Ephrata area. Together, we can keep local news alive. We thank you all.

Shannon Lowry, Kathleen Allstot, and Mike Scellick
GCJ.news Board of Directors