About

South Dakota News Watch, founded in 2017, is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization committed to reporting the most important statewide stories, from agriculture to education, public safety to politics.

Our mission statement:

South Dakota News Watch is an independent, nonprofit organization reporting untold stories that help South Dakotans be informed and engaged citizens. South Dakota News Watch produces investigative and public service journalism that sheds light on the issues, concerns and welfare of South Dakotans.

South Dakota News Watch journalists investigate important subjects, unravel complicated issues and tell stories that too often go untold — in-depth stories of statewide interest and impact.

Our reporting has won awards and has led to changes in public policy and passage of legislation.

While local media continue to serve their communities by reporting daily news events, South Dakota News Watch focuses on the big picture. That means informing and engaging South Dakotans so we can identify ways to make our great state even better and stronger.

The flame in the South Dakota News Watch logo signifies its Fourth Estate role with the larger flame watching over the three smaller flames, which represent the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.

Our media partners include more than 100 newspapers, television and radio stations and digital outlets.

South Dakota News Watch distributes all of its content for free directly to the public through this website, email newsletter and social media platforms. Media organizations also publish the material through their print, broadcast and digital channels. They also will work in collaboration with South Dakota News Watch to secure residents’ comment, feedback and ideas on how to effect change.

South Dakota News Watch wants to engage residents and connect them with the elected leaders who can make a difference.

Our goal: Inform, enlighten and illuminate.

How we're funded

Individuals: South Dakota News Watch’s success depends largely on contributions from individuals who share the organization’s passion for truth, democracy, and civic engagement.

Grants/foundations: It has secured grants from South Dakota community foundations and continues to seek grant funding from regional and national media foundations that have helped many other nonprofit news organizations.

Media partners: Traditional and new media companies in South Dakota are also key partners in this new kind of newsroom. Their financial support and involvement provides South Dakota News Watch broad statewide distribution for its reporting and a partnership in encouraging engagement with citizens.

How to contribute

South Dakota News Watch welcomes contributions of all amounts. It is an IRS designated 501(c)(3) organization, so donations are tax deductible.

To support our journalism: donate online or send a check to South Dakota News Watch, PO Box 90205, Sioux Falls, SD 57109.

To avoid potential conflicts of interest, South Dakota News Watch has adopted donor transparency and editorial independence policies. Contributors have no influence on the subjects examined by South Dakota News Watch reporters or on the approach taken to any investigation. All donors’ names are made public, but the amounts are not. Anonymous donations are not be accepted.