Are you a current member of The 19th or considering supporting us with your membership? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about our nonprofit news organization and membership program. Do you have a question that isn’t answered here? Please contact membership@19thnews.org.
Q: Why does my support matter?
A: Your impact as a member is an investment in our journalism and helps us empower people in our communities. As a nonprofit, member support is critical to our long-term sustainability. Every gift directly funds our organization and the work that we do.
Q: How do I become a member?
A: You can become a member by making a donation of $5 or more or by volunteering your time. Members who give at least $5/year or volunteer at least once a year are eligible for associated benefits. To donate $1,000 or more, visit our investor page.
Q: What does volunteering entail?
A: We have worked diligently to design a membership program that upholds our community’s shared values by including readers who volunteer their time to support The 19th. While donations from readers remain crucial to our funding, we’re excited to continue to intentionally grow our community with this new approach. Volunteer activities may include introducing us to more communities or sharing feedback with us. We share at least two opportunities each month that can be completed from virtually anywhere and at any time.
Q: How often do I need to volunteer my time to maintain my membership?
A: Participating in at least one volunteer activity per month is the best way to secure an active membership status. Your membership will remain active as long as you have volunteered or donated within the past 365 days.
Q: Can I make a donation and volunteer my time?
A: Of course! We appreciate your interest in supporting The 19th in more than one way. Submit your donation through the checkout form and sign up to volunteer by completing our volunteer form.
Q: What is a founding member?
A: Anyone who donated $5 or more during 2020, The 19th’s launch year.
Q: I am a current 19th member. Why isn’t my name on the donor wall?
A: We update our donor wall on the 1st of every month with supporters who donated $5 or more. Updates are on a month delay, for example, July donors will appear on Sept. 1. If you still don’t see your name on our donor wall, please contact membership@19thnews.org to inquire about your donation.
Q: Can my name be left off the donor wall?
A: There isn’t an option for making an anonymous donation or to be excluded from our donor wall. We require first and last name for transparency in who is funding our journalism.
Q: How can I get a confirmation of my donation?
A: The donation receipt, which is emailed to you, is our way of confirming your membership and welcoming you to our member community.
Q: Can I contribute less than $19 and still become a member?
A: Giving $19 a year is our most popular membership — but any donation of at least $5 grants you membership.
Q: What are the benefits of membership?
A: With an active membership status, you’ll receive The Asterisk, our monthly members-only newsletter that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how our newsroom works; a place on our gratitude wall; 19th swag at our in-person events, and frequent updates about what we’re working on with your support.
Q: When will I receive my membership benefits?
A: Your membership starts when we receive your contribution!
Q: How long does a 19th membership last?
A: Your membership is considered current if you have an active recurring gift or if you have made a donation of at least $5 within the past 365 days. Your membership is considered lapsed one year from your last recurring installment or from your last donation or completed volunteer activity.
Q: When will I receive the members-only newsletter?
A: Our members-only newsletter, The Asterisk, is sent to members on the last day of every month. If you become a member after the first day of the month, you will receive the next month’s edition. You may opt out of the newsletters any time by updating your preferences here. If you have had an active membership for more than a month and are still not receiving the newsletter, please email membership@19thnews.org.
Q: Can I gift a membership to the 19th?
A: Yes, you can! Many of you have asked for a way to give memberships as gifts, and you can now purchase your friends and family members a one-year membership to The 19th. Open and submit this form.
Q: How do I cancel a recurring donation?
A: We understand financial circumstances change. You may cancel a recurring gift at any time by visiting our member portal and clicking “cancel donation.” And don’t worry, your gifts-to-date will still count toward your annual membership. If you’d like to keep your recurring donation, you may also lower your gift amount or set a different payment date in our member portal.
Q: How can I update the email address associated with my donation?
A: If you’d like to change the email address associated with your recurring or one-time gift, please contact membership@19thnews.org.
Q: How do I update my payment method or donation amount?
A: You may update your membership at any time by visiting our member portal. There, you can change your recurring gift amount, set a different payment date or update your payment method.
Q: I get the members-only newsletter, but I want more frequent updates. How do I subscribe to other newsletters?
A: We offer four other free newsletters. Learn more and subscribe.
Q: I’m trying to make an ACH donation, but I don’t see any micro-deposits in my bank account.
A: The micro-deposits take two to three days to process. If you still don’t see them after three days, please contact membership@19thnews.org for alternative methods of giving.
Q: Can I donate with a check?
A: Yes, we’re grateful for gifts in all forms! Please mail your check to:
The 19th News
3571 Far West Blvd #3497
Austin, TX 78731
Q: What other forms of payment could I use?
A: We currently accept digital payments via:
- Credit Card
- PayPal
- Google Pay
- Apple Pay
- ACH (banking account)
Q: My question hasn’t been answered in the FAQ, who do I contact?
A: For questions about your membership, please email membership@19thnews.org
For questions about major gifts or the donor wall, please email development@19thnews.org
For questions about your newsletter subscriptions, please email newsletters@19thnews.org
For other general inquiries, please contact hello@19thnews.org