April 26, 2013
MEDIA RELEASE
Contact: E. Anthony Martinez
(915) 532-0905
anthony@newspapertree.com
IRS Awards 501(c)(3) Status to Newspaper Tree
After almost 24-month wait, borderland independent news organization receives nonprofit status
EL PASO, TEXAS — After almost a two-year wait, the IRS has awarded 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to Newspaper Tree (www.newspapertree.com). “This nonprofit designation marks a new era for Newspaper Tree,” said publisher Anthony Martinez. “We will spend these next weeks in transition to an independent nonprofit, while building a strong foundation and putting together a great team.”
“Patience and diligent work by all parties involved has paid off. The board and El Pasoans alike are excited about the next steps. I am very proud to say I am part of this journey,” said Robin Montoya, president of the board of Newspaper Tree.
In December 2009, the El Paso Community Foundation acquired Newspaper Tree with the goal of fostering independent public service journalism with an emphasis on community news and transparency in government. The nonprofit designation allows Newspaper Tree to become an independent nonprofit news organization and to directly accept tax-deductible donations from the community.
“We are very excited that Newspaper Tree has finally secured their nonprofit designation, especially as a former for-profit publication that has converted to nonprofit status in order to serve the public interest,” said INN’s CEO Kevin Davis. INN (www.investigativenewsnetwork.org) is a network of 82 nonprofit news organizations across North America that produce nonpartisan investigative and public service journalism. Newspaper Tree is a member.
Newspaper Tree is supported by members of the public and a Knight Community Information Challenge (KCIC) grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Newspaper Tree anticipates a Summer 2013 launch.
Donations to Newspaper Tree can be made online at https://epcf.org/give/donate (specify “Newspaper Tree Fund”), or by mail (please make checks out to “Newspaper Tree”) at P.O. Box 15, El Paso, Texas 79940.
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