Mission Local, a nonprofit news organization based in San Francisco, has reported significant growth and community support as it concludes 2025. According to its latest impact report, the newsroom has risen to the 17th most-read nonprofit newsroom in the United States, as highlighted by Nieman Lab, an esteemed journalism institute affiliated with Harvard University. This achievement is particularly notable given the challenges facing the news industry, including declining readership and staff reductions.
The impact report showcases several key accomplishments from the past year, including awards for excellence in various reporting categories. Among these accolades, Mission Local secured first-place honors for its BigMoneySF series and election coverage, both recognized by the California Journalism Awards. Additionally, the organization gained recognition as the best community news site from the San Francisco Press Club and was a finalist for “Business of the Year” from the national trade group of independent newsrooms, LION.
In a demonstration of its commitment to local journalism, Mission Local published over 250 dispatches from the 16th and Mission area in response to Mayor Daniel Lurie’s pledge to address street conditions. The newsroom also expanded its presence in San Francisco, now covering half of the city’s neighborhoods while tackling significant stories on a citywide scale.
The organization experienced remarkable growth in its staffing and financial resources. Since 2020, the team has expanded from just four staff members to 17 today. The budget has seen a tenfold increase, rising from approximately $388,000 in 2020 to just over $3 million in 2025. This financial boost has facilitated the hiring of a record number of interns, with 14 participating this year, contributing to vital stories, including the sale of Philz Coffee to a private equity firm.
Community support has been a driving force behind Mission Local‘s achievements, with 1,200 new donors joining the ranks, bringing the total to over 3,300 supporters. The organization successfully exceeded its year-end fundraising goal of $300,000.
As Mission Local looks to the future, it remains committed to being a community-oriented newsroom. The organization emphasizes the importance of listening to the community it serves and providing in-depth reporting that reflects the unique experiences of San Francisco residents.
For those interested in supporting local journalism, contributions are still welcome, ensuring that Mission Local can continue delivering essential news to the community. The full impact report detailing the organization’s growth and future plans is available for readers to explore.
