Acadia Newspaper Trust
Founding Supporter Program
Become a Founding Supporter
Community newspapers are essential to an informed and connected society. For more than 175 years, local journalism has helped residents understand their communities, hold institutions accountable, celebrate achievements, and preserve the historical record of our region.
Today, Acadia Newspaper Trust is working to secure the long-term future of independent local journalism in Hancock County, Mount Desert Island, and Downeast Maine. As we establish our nonprofit organization and seek federal 501(c)(3) status, we are inviting community members, businesses, and organizations to join us as Founding Supporters.
Founding Supporters are individuals and organizations who make an early commitment to the mission and future of Acadia Newspaper Trust. While we are not currently accepting charitable donations, we are seeking expressions of support, pledge commitments, and community partnerships that will help launch the organization and build a sustainable future for local news.
Why Become a Founding Supporter?
By becoming a Founding Supporter, you will:
Help preserve independent local journalism for future generations.
Strengthen community access to reliable local news and information.
Support civic engagement, government transparency, and informed decision-making.
Assist in developing journalism education and public-service reporting initiatives.
Become part of a group of community leaders committed to sustaining local news.
Founding Supporter Recognition
Founding Supporters will be recognized as the first community partners who helped establish Acadia Newspaper Trust. Subject to donor preference and applicable nonprofit regulations, recognition may include:
- Listing on the Acadia Newspaper Trust website.
- Recognition in annual reports and publications.
- Invitations to special events and organizational updates.
- Opportunities to participate in community conversations about the future of local journalism.
Making a Commitment
At this stage, we are seeking non-binding pledge commitments and expressions of interest while our nonprofit status is pending. Once Acadia Newspaper Trust receives federal 501(c)(3) recognition, we will contact interested supporters with information about making tax-deductible contributions.
Join Us
The future of local journalism belongs to the communities it serves. By becoming a Founding Supporter, you can help ensure that independent, community-centered journalism remains strong throughout our region for generations to come.
To learn more or express your interest in becoming a Founding Supporter, please contact:
Acadia Newspaper Trust
1 Printing House Square
Ellsworth, ME 04605
(207) 667-2576
[email protected]