Matching grants of $15,000 each from CSX and the Fletcher Foundation have been awarded to The Worcester Guardian, the city’s nonprofit community news organization dedicated to keeping local journalism free and accessible.
The $30,000 total is among the largest gifts ever given to The Worcester Guardian since its founding.
The funding will support improvements to the organization’s digital infrastructure, including a website redesign and upgraded content management system to enhance user experience, functionality and reader engagement.
Launched in 2023 and a member of the Institute for Nonprofit News, The Worcester Guardian provides nonpartisan, in-depth reporting on issues central to the city’s future — government, education, health, business and the environment.
With no paywall or subscription required, the Guardian ensures that all residents have access to accurate, trustworthy local news. Its reporting features experienced journalists with strong ties to the region, as well as collaborations with Worcester State University, Boston University, GBH News and others.
Dave Nordman, co-founder and lead consultant of The Worcester Guardian, said the donations will strengthen the organization’s capacity and reach.
“These two generous gifts will help us improve our website infrastructure, giving us the ability to do more now and in the future,” Nordman said. “This support from CSX and the Fletcher Foundation represents key investments in the future of local journalism in Worcester.”
Tim Loew, chair of The Worcester Guardian’s board of directors, emphasized the impact on readers.
“On behalf of the entire board, I want to express our sincere appreciation to CSX and the Fletcher Foundation,” Loew said. “Their support says a great deal about the value of local news. This funding will allow our team to better serve our 27,000 subscribers today and for years to come.”
The Worcester Guardian is also supported by a growing group of local organizations that believe in its mission. In addition to CSX and the Fletcher Foundation, the Guardian has received support from the Susan and Cliff Rucker Foundation, Polar Beverages, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, Synergy, Fallon Health, Dewey Square Group, Webster Five, Mirick O’Connell, Workplace Resource, Glickman Kovago & Jacobs, Anna Maria College, Kelleher & Sadowski, Worcester State University, UniBank, Worcester Bravehearts, Masis Staffing, Better Business Bureau of Central New England, Fidelity Bank, Railers HC Foundation, Schwartz Foundation, UMass Memorial and Enterprise Cleaning Corporation, as well as dozens of individual donors.
