On August 16, the Alhambra Source launched the “Save Local Journalism” fundraising drive. The three-week drive sought to raise $50,000 in order to sustain operational costs for the non-profit news site through 2020.

The campaign ended at midnight PDT on September 8. In the end, Alhambra Source was able to raise $23,853 – less than half the original goal. Although over fifty percent of the total donors were categorized as “new,” meaning that they have never previously donated to Alhambra Source, the amount raised was far less than needed to continue coverage through 2020.

“To those that donated, thank you for your generosity! And to those who read Alhambra Source avidly but have yet to donate, I urge you to stand up and contribute if you have the means to do so,” said Dominic Tovar, Community Outreach Manager of the Alhambra Source. “The quality news we produce needs a community of donors to stand behind it. Otherwise who will you turn to for fact-based coverage if there is no independent local news?”

The Alhambra Source is a tight knit operation made up of an incredibly small but devoted staff. Just three employees keep the Source running – one generates content, one continues fundraising and outreach, and one oversees operational functions – supported by two student interns. Producing stories, checking facts, and engaging with outspoken voices in the Western SGV takes time, sweat, and funds from the communities it serves.

Funding generated during the “Save Local Journalism” drive will go directly to supporting the up to date COVID-19 coverage, small business features, and coverage of the upcoming election. Are these stories important to you?

Like the rest of the world, Alhambra Source has faced an uncertain future in the pandemic. But with a community of donors on board, it can push forward and continue the work necessary to build a well informed and engaged community.

Let’s get through this together.