Why should you contribute to SpotlightDC? Here are a few key reasons:
- Simple but mighty mission: Every dollar you contribute will go directly to watchdog reporters producing investigative journalism to hold local officials accountable.
- Impact: Articles supported by SpotlightDC this year have prompted a lawsuit by DC’s Attorney General against a slumlord; exposed the DC government’s need to pay $1.5 million for human smoke detectors in its main office building; investigated U.S. Park Service discrimination over management of federal parks east of the Anacostia River.
- Growth: Thanks to your contributions, each year since our 2020 launch we have been able to increase our support for consequential journalism. Last year we awarded $30,000 to reporters for 10 projects; through October this year we already have awarded $32,500 for 12 articles with more to come.
- More Local Newsrooms: We have more media partners to publish our awardees’ work, thanks to expanding newsrooms in The 51st, The Washington Sun and CityCastDC.
- Dream City Podcast: Your funds will go directly to the only podcast devoted to covering District news and investigations, hosted by Tom Sherwood and Cuneyt Dil. SpotlightDC seeded the podcast’s launch in 2025 and continues to keep it on the air.
- Watchdogs on New Political Leadership: With Janeese Lewis George taking over as mayor and a new cast of council members, SpotlightDC will fund journalism that keeps them honest.
- Trump Effect: SpotlightDC is funding a series of investigations to expose how President Trump’s administration has damaged the District.
- Crime Mapping: SpotlightDC is partnering with DC Witness to amplify its data-driven reporting on every DC homicide case, along with its crime map on spotlightdc.org.
- Mentoring: SpotlightDC supports incoming journalists, some from local universities, to train them in accountability reporting.
- Local Journalism Community: SpotlightDC is positioned at the center of our growing cadre of local reporters to focus their work on accountability.
