While Circle of Blue’s scope includes many disciplines, its core is based upon the journalistic principle of the Fourth Estate, in which self-governed societies function optimally when served by a free and responsible press that informs, engages and inspires. Any valid consideration of vital issues such as water must begin with a comprehensive, fair and compassionate assessment and documentation.
As a non-profit organization, Circle of Blue relies on contributions, both in-kind and monetary, from multiple outside sources, but preserves a “church and state” separation between sponsors and content. While donors may choose to fund a particular aspect of a program, project, site, newsletter, or event, they participate with the understanding that their funding will not influence the content. With respect to journalistic ethics questions, Circle of Blue refers to the National Public Radio Code of Ethics and Practices,WGBH-TV standards and the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics.
Circle of Blue’s Sponsorship Policy
Circle of Blue is a deeply trusted, independent, non-partisan, non-profit systems and news organization that prizes — above all else — its reputation for impartial, high-quality reportage and assessments, and its ability to inform policymakers and the public with trust and clarity. Funding for Circle of Blue comes from various sources, ranging from foundation and government grants to individual donations and corporate contributions. Circle of Blue relies on its mission to independently report or engage in the widest of issues. Contributions do not imply unspoken expectations on actions Circle of Blue may take, research we may publish, or positions we may advocate.
General support
Unrestricted contributions from foundations, companies, or other general support fuel our award-winning innovation and core operations.
Donations are subject to review by Circle of Blue staff and, where deemed, by the Circle of Blue Board of Directors, to ensure that there will be no undue influence on our activities and that the donation will not adversely affect Circle of Blue’s reputation for independence. Donors are not permitted to edit, redraft, or hinder publications or other Circle of Blue products.
Fee-for-service
Some reportage and/or activities by Circle of Blue — and recommendations based on that work — are explicitly relevant for partners, donors, and companies. Where appropriate, we work to ensure that businesses hear and understand what we recommend and report. We also use our work to inform governments and corporation policies. On occasion, we will accept and even solicit work on a fee-for-service basis when we retain control over the analysis and final products. Circle of Blue does not accept funding for the purpose of enhancing the image of a corporation or influencing policy in a direction antithetical to the results of our analysis.
Newsletter, content, and event underwriting
Some content packaging — such as Circle of Blue newsletters, and events, such as broadcasts and convenings — may receive underwriting support from companies, foundations, governments, and other organizations. This underwriting draws on processes and policies from National Public Radio and the U.S. Public Broadcasting System. “Acknowledgments are strictly for identification of donors and should not promote the company, products, or services of the donor.” All Circle of Blue content and all editorial decisions related to the distribution and channels are the sole responsibility of Circle of Blue.
Screening
Circle of Blue will neither seek nor accept corporate, foundation, or other funding that may create a conflict of interest for Circle of Blue and/or its academic, research, and or other partners, or whose practices are directly and intentionally in conflict with Circle of Blue goals. This policy, however, permits Circle of Blue to accept funds from excluded corporations when an individual employee makes a gift that triggers a matching gift from the corporation. When determining whether to accept support from specific corporations, Circle of Blue will review the type of support offered, the products and outcomes expected, if any, and the reputation of the source of support. The managing director together with the board of directors will evaluate corporate contributions greater than 10 percent of estimated annual income. In addition, an ad hoc committee of staff, board, and outside participants may be formed to both review specific cases and to recommend refinements of this policy. We encourage our staff and others to provide information about activities that they believe have bearing on this policy.
Circle of Blue makes public all donors who give a total of $5,000 or more per year. We will accept anonymous donations for general support if it is clear that sufficient safeguards have been put into place that the expenditure of that donation is made independently by our organization and in compliance with INN’s Membership Standards.
Contributors of more than $5,000 to Circle of Blue in 2024
Alpern Foundation
Brookby Foundation
Cherry Republic
C.S. Mott Foundation
John T. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
Wege Foundation