Dear Arizona journalists,

The COVID-19 pandemic is not only a threat to our nation’s health and welfare, but has also dealt major blows to the news industry. This has resulted in the laying off or furloughing of the very people our society is relying upon for factual, reliable information in these uncertain and stressful times.
Those sidelined by these layoffs and furloughs worry about paying their bills, feeding and caring for their loved ones, and wonder about their futures in journalism. You can help those in need, right here, right now, today.
SPJ, through the SPJ Foundation, has established a Journalists Emergency Fund, and has named April 30, 2020, as SPJ’s Day of Giving Back. As of 8 a.m. Arizona time May 1, more than $25,000 has been contributed. Please make a secure donation directly to this fund. It is managed by the SPJ Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity; gifts to it are tax deductible. Journalists in need can apply for grants of up to $500 from the fund to help meet expenses, grants that do not have to be paid back. A committee of SPJ Foundation leaders and staff will review each application on a case-by-case basis — decisions will be made on a fast-track basis to insure that emergency money quickly gets to those who need it. Here is a list of donors and donation leaders, and more information about the fund.

You’re an SPJ member because you care about this profession. We know you want to support those who are doing so much to help everyone weather this extraordinary period in our lives. Please be generous in this effort to help our colleagues, many of whom are reporting on the very crisis that is also directly affecting their livelihoods.
Again, the donation to the SPJ Foundation is tax-deductible. Click here to donate today, SPJ’s Day of Giving Back, April 30, 2020. From all of us at SPJ, a sincere and heartfelt thank you.
— Your Valley of the Sun SPJ Chapter Board