About the Fund

What is the Coweta Investigative Journalism Fund?

The Coweta Investigative Journalism Fund (CIJF) is a community-supported initiative established through Caring Communities Foundation to strengthen independent investigative and public-interest journalism in Coweta County and surrounding communities. Charitable contributions to the fund support the salaries of reporters at The Newnan Times-Herald who investigate matters of public concern, examine government operations and pursue stories that serve the public interest.

Why was the fund established?

Investigative journalism requires significant time, research, and resources. Some investigations involve weeks or months of interviews, public records requests, document reviews and fact-checking before a story is ready for publication. As traditional newspaper revenue models have changed, sustaining this level of reporting has become increasingly challenging. The fund provides dedicated financial support for investigative journalism beyond traditional advertising and subscription revenue.

Why is investigative journalism important to our community?

Independent investigative journalism helps residents understand how decisions are made, how public resources are used and how institutions serve the community. It provides oversight, establishes a reliable public record and holds those in positions of public trust accountable. Without strong local reporting, important questions may go unanswered and issues affecting residents' lives may receive little attention.

How is the fund connected to The Newnan Times-Herald?

The Newnan Times-Herald employs and supervises the journalists whose investigative work is supported by the fund. Contributions help provide the reporting time and resources necessary to pursue complex stories. All reporting assignments, editorial decisions and publication responsibilities remain under the newspaper's independent editorial leadership.

  • Caring Communities Foundation provides the charitable framework through which contributions to the Coweta Investigative Journalism Fund are received and administered. The foundation oversees the administration of charitable contributions in accordance with the fund's purpose and applicable requirements. The Newnan Times-Herald retains responsibility for its journalists and all editorial decisions.

  • The Coweta Investigative Journalism Fund is guided by five principles: independence, accountability, accuracy, transparency and public service. Reporting must remain free from donor, political and commercial influence, grounded in verified facts and committed to serving the public interest. The fund does not exist to promote particular political positions or predetermined outcomes. Its purpose is to sustain journalism that follows the evidence wherever it leads.

  • Strong communities need independent journalism that asks difficult questions and pursues meaningful answers. Your contribution helps provide the time and resources necessary to protect the public's right to know.