The Fourth Estate Membership Program

To mark its fourth anniversary, the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation invites you to join its Fourth Estate Membership Program. While the U.S. Constitution established the executive, legislative and judicial branches, the phrase Fourth Estate reflects the unofficial but widely accepted role the news media play in providing citizens with information they can use to hold the government accountable.

In America, the president reigns for four years, and journalism governs forever and ever. — Oscar Wilde

Funds raised through the Fourth Estate Membership Program will support Valley news organizations by:

Providing funds to pursue in-depth investigative and watchdog reporting. The result: reporting on issues critical to Valley residents.

Underwriting the Desert Sun’s Opinion Editor position to preserve the editorial content that provides an important forum to discuss community issues.

Developing the next generation of journalists by placing interns/fellows with local news teams to receive
on-the-job training.

Supporting the career development of local journalists through training and professional development programs.

"Guardians" of the Fourth Estate

Donation of at least $2,500.
Benefits:

  • A table to the annual Hall of Fame luncheon with preferred seating.
  • Ongoing recognition in marketing and promotion materials.
  • Ongoing recognition on CVJF website.
  • Invitation to at least four donor-exclusive events a year.

Renews annually.

"Defenders" of the Fourth Estate

Donation of at least $1,000.
Benefits:

  • Two tickets to the annual Hall of Fame luncheon.
  • Ongoing recognition in marketing and promotion materials.
  • Ongoing recognition on CVJF website.
  • Invitation to at least two donor-exclusive events a year.

Renews annually.

"Supporters" of the Fourth Estate

Donation of at least $40 a month ($480 annually).
Benefits:

  • Ongoing recognition on CVJF website.
  • Invitation to at least one donor-exclusive event a year.

Renews annually.

"Protectors" of the Fourth Estate

Donation of at least $40 a year for working journalists.

  • Donors may also designate a journalist they want to sponsor.

Renews annually.