Our Mission

We envision thriving communities across Western North Carolina where all residents have access to accurate, unbiased, timely information they need to be active citizens, participating in the community, in local governance, in their neighborhoods.

The mission of the WNC Journalism Foundation is to nurture and sustain a local news ecosystem, starting with direct support to The Paper, Burke County’s only all-local, locally owned, local print and digital newspaper providing trusted journalism for Burke County. 

Make a gift today.

Editorial Independence & Ethics

• WNCJF supports journalism but does not dictate coverage.

• The Paper’s journalists and editors make editorial decisions.

• Donors and grantors do not approve stories.

• Sponsored content, if any, must be clearly labeled.

• Corrections should be handled transparently.

• Conflicts of interest must be disclosed and managed.

• Board members must not use WNCJF to influence coverage of themselves, their businesses or their civic interests.