The #SaveChicagoMedia campaign is a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March of 2020, we learned that 63% of our partners were facing a significant decline in revenue due to the state wide shutdown. Slashed advertising budgets and the sudden canceling of scheduled events have deeply affected independent media’s viability. Our fundraiser is a benefit for more than 40 local, independent media outlets in Chicago. In our first year, close to $160,000 was raised, yet there is still a need for additional support in 2021, because Chicago’s independent media outlets are still recovering from the financial crisis that ensued after the outbreak. The money raised goes directly to the outlets of your choosing, or you can choose to have your donation split evenly among all. Your dollars will help Chicago’s local community outlets continue to tell stories that matter to you.