Between fighting for FOIA requests, debunking half truths and watching shining light on community solutions, our local news organizations have never been more vital — and under more strain.
More and more our organizations are turning to community funding as a way to keep the lights on. We know a heck of a lot about journalism and storytelling. Fundraising and philanthropy? Maybe not so much. With breaking news taking priority, editors and publishers often put donor relationships in the “too-hard” pile of priorities.
That’s where AlignSimple and Stonerock Business Solutions are stepping in.
In a new partnership, AlignSimple — a pioneer in fractional local media services — and Stonerock Business Solutions — a proven leader in nonprofit strategies — are combining expertise to empower small and medium-sized news organizations. Together, they’re addressing one of the industry’s toughest challenges: financial sustainability.
A partnership built for newsroom success
Stonerock Business Solutions is redefining what’s possible. Led by Amanda Stonerock, the firm has raised over $131 million for nonprofits over the last decade, with an 82 percent success rate in securing awards. Their strategies are designed not only to bring in immediate revenue but also to foster long-term donor relationships.
AlignSimple will work with our organizations to implement those strategies laid out by Stonerock Business Solutions (SBS). From content strategy and audience growth to marketing and membership, their experts provide hands-on support, allowing newsrooms to focus on delivering impactful journalism while leaving the operational headaches to the pros.
From content strategy and audience growth to actionable analytics and membership, their experts provide hands-on support to more than 77 news organizations in the United States.
Some of the donor tactics that SBS, AlignSimple and your organization can implement together include:
The Investigative Post: A model for success
One recent success story underscores the power of this partnership. AlignSimple and SBS collaborated to create a 90-page, year-long development plan for Investigative Post, an organization dedicated to hard-hitting investigative journalism.
Jim Heaney, editor and executive director of Investigative Post, didn’t mince words: “It’s more comprehensive and informed than any advice I've gotten in my nearly 13 years running The Investigative Post.”
This kind of impact isn’t just a one-off; it’s the standard for what AlignSimple and SBS aim to achieve for their clients.
What they’re saying
“We are excited to partner with Stonerock Business Solutions to provide a comprehensive set of tools and strategies that address both the operational and financial hurdles facing local newsrooms today,” said Kyle Rickhoff, AlignSimple’s fractional CTO.
Amanda Stonerock added, “Fundraising doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right approach, we can help newsrooms focus on what they do best — great journalism — while building a financial foundation that lasts.”
To learn how AlignSimple and Stonerock Business Solutions can help boost your newsroom's fundraising, schedule a call today.
Kyle Rickhoff, founder of AlignSimple, is ready to help your business grow and manage costs with fractional services. Reach out to him at kyle.rickhoff@alignsimple.com, visit AlignSimple website, or call 406-697-4211.
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