More than 1.5 million people from 180 countries have supported the Guardian. Why?
Good question.
Some like the fact that we are independent and can publish what we like. In a time when so much of the press globally is captured by tycoons and oligarchs, or subverted or censored by the state, true independence is becoming a rarity.
Some love the fact that we are determined to remain open and free for all readers. Paywalls and reading charges just mean that good journalism is only available to those who can comfortably pay for it. That’s clearly not fair. The Guardian strives for a fairer world – and so do our supporters.
Some like our insistence on accuracy, truth and trustworthiness; some admire our courage and tenacity in keeping the powerful honest and the honest powerful. Some feel the free press is simply something that is worth protecting. We’d miss it if it wasn’t there.
We know all this about our supporters because we’ve asked tens of thousands of them (yes, really). A great many feel that what they get from supporting the Guardian is a sense that they are championing one or more of the above-mentioned values. Here is what some of them have told us.
But what else do you get in return for your funding?
Well, everyone who supports us regularly, even from as little as a few pounds or dollars a month, can choose to receive a regular bespoke newsletter from our editors, highlighting the ups and downs of the week. We ask your opinion, show our working, and interview journalists about the stories they have written, so you get a glimpse of how it all gets done. And you can contact us by writing to our dedicated supporter inbox supporters@theguardian.com.
Supporters also see far fewer ads and messages asking for financial funding – as long as you remember to sign in to our website and app on all your digital devices.
Those who give a little more each month or year qualify for full access to every feature in our news app. And those who support us at a higher level can become patrons, taking advantage of a wider set of benefits including free events. And of course, those who buy our newspapers – the Guardian and the Observer in the UK and Guardian Weekly for international readers – they are supporters too.
Don’t forget, there is a wide, and growing range of editorial newsletters that cater to interests as broad as culture, food, football and video games. Sign up to something you’re interested in here.
Finally, supporters have our eternal gratitude and admiration. In this complex and often troubled world, it can be hard to know how to take effective action, make a difference. Supporting journalism that stands for fairness, justice and truth is a start.
If you haven’t already, we hope you’ll consider funding our work today. You can either make a single payment, or set up a regular amount to support us every month or year. It takes just a minute, and will make you one in a million.