Subject: Help me report full time for Richland County

From: Carl Gilliam <comcenter@appleseednews.com>

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Dear {{contact_name_or_business_name}} Team,

My name is Carl Gilliam. I am the president of Appleseed News Inc. and the person who reports the news you see on AppleseedNews.com and our Facebook page.

I started by posting live news updates on social media. Local people told me the existing groups filtered or limited what news could be posted, and they encouraged me to start my own page. I listened, created Richland News Network, and later converted it to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit — Appleseed News Inc. Our motto is simple: No BS, Just Facts.

I still report whenever I can — boil advisories, school alerts, public safety, local government, missing persons, community events. But here is the honest truth: I also work 12 to 14 hours a day at my primary employer just to cover Appleseed's expenses and my own. That leaves almost no time for the reporting this community asked me to do.

I have helped all that I can on my own. Now I need help from the community so I can help you.

THE GOAL: $180,000

We are raising $180,000 to cover one full year of my salary as a full-time reporter plus basic operating expenses for Appleseed News. Full-time reporting costs about $15,000 to $16,000 per month. If we reach this goal, I can leave my current full-time job and dedicate myself entirely to covering Richland County — Mansfield, Shelby, Ontario, Lexington, Bellville, and every community in between.

We know it will take time to reach $180,000. Every dollar donated toward this campaign is set aside and will not be spent until we reach the goal.

We have also partnered with the Richland News Alerts Facebook group to reach more local readers with the news they need.

WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOUR BUSINESS

When a boil advisory hits Heineman Boulevard, a school goes on lockdown, or West First Street closes for repairs, your employees and customers need accurate local information — fast, free, and without spin. A well-informed community is good for every business in Richland County.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

One-time donation:
  Every donor is acknowledged by name on our website and Facebook page. Any amount helps.

  One month of full-time reporting costs about $15,000 to $16,000. Suggested gifts:

  • $500    — Helps build the full-time reporting fund
  • $5,000  — Toward roughly one-third of a month of full-time coverage
  • $15,000 — Supports about one month of full-time local reporting

Ongoing sponsor (monthly or annual commitment):
  Sponsors receive ongoing recognition on our website and social media, and special coverage of your business events and community involvement. Sponsors are listed on our Sponsors page alongside our current supporter, Ashland Muffler House.

  • $200/month or $2,400/year — Community Sponsor
  • $500/month or $5,000/year — Premier Sponsor (featured placement + event coverage)

WAYS TO GIVE

All donations to Appleseed News Inc. are tax-deductible. Appleseed News Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 99-4584716). Consult your tax advisor regarding your specific deduction.

1. Online: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-make-a-difference-14230

   Appleseed News receives 100% of your donation through Zeffy — they charge nonprofits zero processing fees. During checkout, Zeffy may ask if you would like to leave an optional tip to support their own nonprofit mission of providing free fundraising tools to organizations like ours. This tip is entirely voluntary and goes to Zeffy, not to Appleseed News. You can choose any amount or enter $0.

   TAX RECEIPT (ONLINE): Zeffy will automatically email you a tax-deductible donation receipt immediately after your gift is completed.

2. By check: Make payable to "Appleseed News Inc." and mail to:
   Appleseed News Inc.
   630 Oak St. Lot 39
   Mansfield, OH 44907
   EIN: 99-4584716

   Please include your business name, mailing address, and contact email so we can acknowledge your gift and send your receipt.

   TAX RECEIPT (CHECK): We will generate and email your tax-deductible donation receipt as soon as possible after your check is received. If you need a receipt urgently, contact donations@appleseednews.com.

EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE

Donors and sponsors do not influence our news coverage. We follow Institute for Nonprofit News standards. Editorial decisions stay with the newsroom. Gifts of $5,000 or more in a calendar year are publicly disclosed on our website.

QUESTIONS?

Please feel free to contact me with any questions — about giving levels, sponsor recognition, or anything else:

  Carl Gilliam, President & Reporter
  comcenter@appleseednews.com
  (419) 295-5843
  https://www.appleseednews.com

  Donation or receipt questions: donations@appleseednews.com

I have attached a one-page partnership summary for your reference, or you can view it here: [link to partnership-packet.html on your site]

This is a help-me-so-I-can-help-you situation. The community asked me to do this work. I am asking for the support to do it full time.

Thank you for your consideration.

Carl Gilliam
President & Reporter, Appleseed News Inc.
comcenter@appleseednews.com | (419) 295-5843

P.S. If now is not the right time, I completely understand. Even forwarding this to someone who handles community giving at {{business_name}} would mean a great deal.

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Appleseed News Inc. | 501(c)(3) EIN 99-4584716
630 Oak St. Lot 39, Mansfield, OH 44907
https://www.appleseednews.com | https://www.facebook.com/AppleseedNews

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