Trustworthy local news for Greater Minnesota

Hi! 

Jen Zettel-Vandenhouten, here. I'm on Project Optimist's Board of Directors, and I served as the organization's managing editor from November 2023 to August 2025.

I'm fundraising for Project Optimist because I believe in the work they are doing, and I've seen firsthand how important it is. 

Some things I love about Project Optimist: 

• They purposely avoid the negativity spiral so many other news outlets fall into. Instead, they rigorously investigate solutions to problems in Greater Minnesota. 
• All of their reporting is meticulously fact-checked. An editor meets with a reporter and goes through the story line-by-line. They verify every detail. 
• Any news outlet can republish Project Optimist's stories, free of charge. 
• They are all about collaboration. Whether it's a series on firearms in partnership with Minnesota Women's Press, housing dialogues with Engage Winona, or solutions journalism training sessions across the state, Project Optimist knows we can make meaningful change when we work together. 

Please join me in giving to this wonderful news organization, and QUADRUPLE your donation! 

Project Optimist is a member of the Institute for Nonprofit News, which raised matching funds for this end-of-year fundraiser. 

Your gifts will be matched three times thanks to support from the McKnight Foundation, the Joyce Foundation, and the NewsMatch national fund. 

Project Optimist will also get a $1,000 bonus if they reach 50 new donors. Every size gift can help them reach this goal!