Foothills Forum

Overview

Foothills Forum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Rappahannock County, Virginia. It operates as an editorially independent news organization, partnering with the weekly Rappahannock News to publish in-depth, explanatory stories on local issues[2]. Foothills Forum focuses on topics like environmental quality, housing affordability, transportation, healthcare challenges, and government fiscal policies[2].

History

Foothills Forum was founded by local community leaders, including Larry “Bud” Meyer and the late Bill Dietel, who recognized the decline of local newspapers and sought to address this gap. The organization began its activities around seven years ago, aiming to provide high-quality, fact-based journalism crucial for civic engagement[2][3].

Operations and Partnerships

Foothills Forum partners with the University of Virginia's Center for Survey Research to conduct countywide surveys that help identify and delve into community priorities. It also employs experienced freelance journalists to produce deeply reported stories[2]. Their work has been recognized with awards from the Virginia Press Association for in-depth/investigative journalism[2].

Funding

Foothills Forum relies solely on donations and grants from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Its funding model is supported by over 200 local citizens and various foundational grants[4]. Contributions account for the majority of its revenue, with investment income contributing a smaller portion[1].

Community Impact

By supporting quality local journalism, Foothills Forum helps maintain informed civic engagement in the area. The organization also responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by collaborating with the Rappahannock News to produce a free daily newsletter and text service for local updates[2].

Notable Members and Awards

The journalism team includes experienced writers like Tim Carrington and Bob Hurley, who have contributed significantly to the organization's success. Foothills Forum's model has been cited nationally as an innovative approach to community-supported journalism[2][4].

[1] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/521071448 [2] https://foothills-forum.org/about/ [3] https://foothills-forum.org [4] https://foothillsforum.org [5] https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?collection=grantmakers&activity=result&key=9366541