Over the last six years, Lafayette has helped us grow our small nonprofit news organization into a real force.

Today marks a significant milestone on this journey. The Current is among the first news organizations to receive funding from Press Forward, a national campaign to strengthen communities by revitalizing local news.

More than anything, this shows that The Current is a news organization worth supporting — and a news organization whose influence is growing.

The award, worth $100,000 over two years, reflects The Current's leading role in reshaping local journalism in America. Press Forward's first open round of funding was highly competitive, attracting more than 900 applications nationwide. The Current was among 205 news organizations selected.

We could not be in this position without the support of our members, donors, partners and readers. And it is our goal to use this moment to initiate our next phase of growth.

The future of local news is here in Lafayette, but it can't be taken for granted. The American news industry is in crisis – an estimated 2.5 newspapers are closing every week, and there is little sign of the trend reversing.

You don't have to look far to see it. Consider the major shakeups in local television over the last year, most recently the layoffs at News15.

The trend affects all news formats: digital, print, TV and radio. In response to this decline, a new vanguard of news organizations like The Current has emerged.

Our track record of in-depth reporting and community collaboration is a model national funders will believe in, as long as our community believes in us. And that is not something we take for granted.

I couldn't be prouder of our team, a group that has punched above its weight to become a true source of in-depth, community-driven news.

We remain committed to being Lafayette's community voice. It is a privilege made possible by our readers and supporters. Thank you very much.