Mineral Wells Area News

Annual fundraising campaign offers opportunities to strengthen local journalism through community donations and business sponsorships.

MINERAL WELLS, Texas — Mineral Wells Area News (MWAN) is once again participating in NewsMatch, a national fundraising campaign designed to strengthen nonprofit journalism and encourage communities to invest in independent local news.

The 2026 campaign officially began Nov. 1, marking the start of NewsMatch’s second decade of supporting nonprofit news organizations across the country.

Organized by the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN), this year’s campaign includes 437 participating newsrooms and more than $7 million in funding from a network of 19 local and national funders.

For Mineral Wells Area News, NewsMatch provides an opportunity to raise critical funding to sustain and expand local news coverage throughout Mineral Wells and Palo Pinto County.

Community Support Can Unlock Additional Funding

Through NewsMatch 2026, Mineral Wells Area News has the opportunity to receive up to $21,000 in matching funds and fundraising incentives.

The campaign includes:

• $15,000 in individual donation matching funds, allowing eligible contributions from readers and community members to have an even greater impact.
• A $5,000 business fundraising bonus if MWAN secures $20,000 in commitments from local businesses, including qualifying sponsorships.
• A $1,000 new-donor bonus if 50 individuals make their first donation to MWAN.

Together, these opportunities could help MWAN generate up to $56,000 in community contributions, business commitments, matching funds and bonuses, assuming all campaign requirements are met.

Supporting Local Journalism in Palo Pinto County

Mineral Wells Area News was founded in 2020 following the closure of the Mineral Wells Index, which left the community without its longtime local newspaper.

Since then, MWAN has worked to provide consistent coverage of local government, education, public safety, community organizations, events and the people who make Palo Pinto County unique.

As a nonprofit digital news organization, MWAN relies on community contributions, business sponsorships, advertising and other funding sources to support its reporting and operations.

Contributions help cover the costs of reporting, publishing, website technology and the resources necessary to provide reliable local information.

NewsMatch Celebrates a Decade of Impact

Since its inception, NewsMatch has secured $45 million in matching gifts and helped generate $432 million in community support for nonprofit newsrooms nationwide.

The program also provides fundraising training and resources to help participating organizations develop sustainable funding models.

“NewsMatch teaches the habit of fundraising from your community or your audience, something that doesn’t come naturally to journalists,” said Karen Rundlet, INN’s executive director and CEO, in the organization’s Oct. 30 announcement.

The 2026 campaign is supported by a network of foundations and philanthropic organizations, with NewsMatch operating as a collaborative fund held at The Miami Foundation.

How You Can Help

As MWAN enters its sixth year of serving Mineral Wells and Palo Pinto County, community support remains essential to its future.

Readers can participate by making a contribution during the NewsMatch campaign, while local businesses can help MWAN reach its $20,000 sponsorship commitment goal and unlock additional funding.

Those who have never donated to MWAN can also make a difference. Just 50 new donors will help the newsroom qualify for an additional $1,000 incentive.

Whether through an individual contribution, a business sponsorship or becoming a first-time donor, every supporter plays a role in sustaining local journalism.

Help keep local news local. Support Mineral Wells Area News during NewsMatch 2026.

Donate Here