Thank you for helping us reach the goal!!! If you're looking for a way to give a one-time gift, you can do that here.

The 51st started with a vision: local news that’s made by and for the community, never paywalled, and dedicated to making our city better. Last year over 3,500 of you donated to make it a reality!

Since launching, we’ve published more than 300 original stories, partnered with local orgs, and built a newsletter that reaches thousands of District residents every week. And we’ve done it all without a full-time reporter or editor! (We’re still a team of six, all working part-time.) Now, it’s time to change that.

We recently hired Christina full-time as our Executive Editor, but we only have funding for this position for one year. We’re raising $125,000 to help keep Christina onboard and hire Martin full-time as a as Senior Reporter.Christina and Martin already play a crucial role in shaping this newsroom. This campaign is about making their work and The 51st’s future sustainable. Help us reach this by August 8th.

Your support will mean:

More timely local coverage
More in-depth explainers (#NewsYouCanUse)
More accountability journalism
More connecting and listening to the community

We’ve built this newsroom with you. Help us take the next step. Plus, we're now a recognized 501c3, meaning your gifts are eligble for tax deduction! (EIN: 99-3371005)

Giving Levels + Perks:

$50 and under: Our unending gratitude and your enduring pride in supporting our city. Seriously! Unless you check the box to be anonymous when pledging your support, we’ll list your name as a donor to this campaign on our website.

$51: A sticker pack so you can show the world you invest in community-driven local news.

$151: The sticker pack, plus a free one-year membership FOR NEW MEMBERS (or a gift membership if you’re already a member) and a tote so you can carry your belief in democracy, accountability, and community power with you anywhere.

$300: Everything above, and an invite to a happy hour to celebrate hiring Christina and Martin!

$510: Everything above, plus an invite to a walking photo tour led by Shedrick Pelt, photographer for the recently published 22 Walks in Washington, DC That You Must Not Miss.

$1,500: Everything listed above, plus the opportunity to be a featured supporter with a Q&A published on our site!

$5,100: Everything above, plus a Lifetime Membership at the Believer tier.

$10,000: Everything above, and two tickets to an exclusive dinner with the 51st team and other major donors at The Fountain Inn.

We will organize in person pick-up days in D.C. for supporters to collect their rewards but won't be shipping.

The crowdfunding push is one piece of our larger fundraising effort to sustain these two roles. The goal is to pay a living wage, offer good health benefits, and let these newsroom leaders focus on reporting for you - not worry about having to look for another opportunity in a year! Christina's role was already in our budget for this year. Meeting the crowdfunding means we can hire Martin and guarantee him one year of employment. We're also approaching foundations and local philanthropists to help triple that crowdfunding amount so that we can guarantee both Christina and Martin 2+ years of stable employment as we continue to grow The 51st team around them.

Local philanthropist Viyas Sundaram recently offered up to $100,000 in matching funds for the crowdfunding effort!

Time to Grow The 51st

Help us hire Christina and Martin Full-Time!