In August 2007, AWSM received a $30,000 Challenge Fund for Journalism IV grant. The grant gives us the seed money and a starting point for a long-range capital campaign to help us expand our programs and ensure our future. Since our inception in 1987, we have been fully dependent on money received year to year from membership fees, convention sponsorships and registrations, as well as some corporate and individual donations. With economic conditions in the media industry threatening to shrink or even dry up our traditional sources of funding, we want to broaden and intensify our fundraising efforts. Having a firm financial foundation would make AWSM less vulnerable to economic fluctuations and/or industry trends. It would allow us to invest more in our core initiatives, such as our internship/scholarship program and to develop new ones, such as periodic regional workshops and training for mid-career members. How you can help In order to receive the full amount of the $30,000 Challenge Fund for Journalism grant, AWSM must raise at least another $30,000 in matching funds from individual donations before Aug. 8, 2008. We need the help of every member and supporter of AWSM to reach this goal. Please note that donations to AWSM, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, are tax-deductible.
If you have ideas for the capital campaign or would like to get involved, please e-mail Joanne Gerstner, vice president/development, at development@awsmonline.org. | 
