GIJC15

There are at least 150 nonprofit organizations in over 50 countries doing, teaching, and promoting investigative journalism. The number has more than doubled during the past 15 years. But why do some thrive while others struggle? What are the keys to building and sustaining a nonprofit investigative news organization? Doing great journalism isn't enough -- nonprofits are businesses, and your group's success will also depend on good management, sound accounting, determined fundraising, and diversified revenue. Here are invaluable tips from veterans in the field, with lessons from both successful nonprofits and for-profits. 

Despite more than 150 nonprofits engaged in investigative journalism worldwide, most groups are struggling for money. Many fail to apply their own reporting techniques to finding donors and to invest in "development." There's money out there, and our field continues to grow. but you need to have a solid strategy and a strong commitment. Here are three experts who can help guide your way: Maria Teresa Ronderos is director of the OSF Program on Independent Media, the largest private donor in international media development. Bridget Gallagher is a leading media fundraiser who has raised millions of dollars from private donors; her clients include GIJN, Internews, and PBS. And Leon Willems of the Global Forum for Media Development will talk about raising funds from governments and other public entities. 

What are the secrets of successful startups? What new models can we apply to create viable homes for investigative journalism? We've brought together four great minds working on these issues, with plenty of tips for those ready to launch investigative newsrooms, online publications, cross-border projects, training centers, and more. Teun Gautier will talk about the results of a new study on new models, drawing on his own extensive experience with startups. Kim Yong Jin will explain the success of Newstapa, Korea's video-based investigative nonprofit, which has more than 30,000 dues-paying members. And Correct!v's Christan Humborg will talk about the group's ambitious business plans to ensure that Germany's first nonprofit investigative newsroom is sustainable. Tying it all together will be Reg Chua, Thomson Reuters' Data and Innovation Editor.

Crowdfunding is the process of convincing typically a large group of people to contribute small sums of money toward a specific project, usually via the Internet. At a time when the media is struggling to fund serious journalism, crowdfunding is helping redefine what's possible -- whether you’re raising money for one story or a new organization. Today, there are hundreds of crowdfunding sites worldwide. Most crowdfunded journalism projects raise modest amounts, but there are some notable big successes. What's the secret to a successful campaign? What tools do you use? Here are journalists with first-hand experience in the field -- from a million-Euro startup in Germany to an investigative center in Brazil and an online publisher in Malaysia.