Aspen Journalism

By collectively donating $5,000, you help us raise $12,000! 

Your $5,000 in gifts mean another $7,000 to fund our reporters in 2025!
+ $100 bonuses applied to all recurring monthly donations
+ $1,000 bonus possible with 50 new donors!
+ Donations of more than $1,000 will be matched by local donors
+ Donations above the $5,000 goal will be matched by NewsMatch

Who we are

Aspen Journalism is a nonprofit, reader-funded newsroom providing communities in the Roaring Fork watershed and upper Colorado River basin with independent, investigative, data-driven reporting on complex issues of water, environment, social justice and history — coverage that is unique in our local media landscape. Our coverage area includes Aspen, Pitkin County, the Roaring Fork River watershed, the Western Slope, the state of Colorado, the Colorado River basin, and the West.

Our values

We believe well-informed citizens make better decisions; good journalism sustains both community and democracy; investigative reporting spurs needed reform, and well-written stories are an efficient and effective way to reach engaged citizens. 

Community resource

Supporters value the quality of our journalism. They are passionate about the beats we cover; they understand the importance of in-depth reporting on local topics that otherwise wouldn’t be covered; they understand the impact of our reporting on the places they love; they believe in our reporters and leadership, and they value our unbiased reporting to the community. They said so themselves (see below), and then they donated. 

Innovative local model

Our model as a nonprofit, reader-supported local newsroom was pioneered in 2011 by Aspen Journalism’s founder, Brent Gardner-Smith, directly inspired by his work with ProPublica. Implemented to ensure local communities have dedicated journalists with editorial independence, this civic benefit is funded by philanthropic, community, and public funds, sustaining AJs growing award-winning team of in-house and freelance journalists. We produce journalism that is unique to our local media landscape, with our collaborative model allows us to reach communities through the availability of our work to regional media outlets

Aspen Journalism employs two full-time journalists and an editor and executive director. We also work with freelancers and collaborate with journalists at other news organizations.

Make your impact

This investigative journalism is produced for you — the community — and provided to our collaborators as a public service. These stories go untold without the dedication of our reporters and the generosity of our readers and funders. 

Will you make your impact on the community and donate to nonprofit journalism today? 

Testimonials

Today, we wanted to let the voices of the community share why they have supported Aspen Journalism as we enter our 14th year. And, of course, we hope you'll have your own reasons for supporting our local, nonprofit, investigative and collaborative news organization. Serving the community is an honor we do not take lightly. This support from our community – the belief in this work – is something we are very grateful for. Please consider the reasons you value this work, and join the community of readers who support it. 

"Aspen Journalism represents something this country needs more: quality, independent journalism that builds accountability and enhances communities, while doing so on a smart, sustainable basis." Dick Tofel, president, ProPublica

"You're providing important coverage of issues that matter in our Valley! Thank you." – Terri C. 

"In support of your interesting, necessary stories, in-depth reporting and excellent writing." – Sarah G.

"This independent work is desperately needed!" – Amy and Neal B.

"Someone has to tell hard truths and spread soft joy." – Michael I. 

"Journalists are the fourth leg on the table of our democracy." – Lauri N.

"Always great reporting and off the main stream of most media." – Jerry M.

"Excellent reporting about things that I care about." – Deborah B

"I love good local journalism!" – Luke R.

"Your great water coverage." – Craig M. 

"It's real journalism." – William L.

"I love this town." – Camille Cook"I like your journalism!" – Terri C.

"Your work is a great public service" – William L.

"I was inspired by the 2023 annual report, which I appreciated." – Brent G.