Don’t Worry — Our Substack Is Still Free

A good number of readers subscribe to our Substack so content is delivered directly to their email. The next time you log in, you may see a prompt for a paid subscription.

Choosing the free option still gives you the same full access as everyone else.

We simply wanted to set up a way for those who can to support us through Substack contributions. If you choose a paid subscription, that money is treated the same as if you made a contribution through our website.

If you’re unable to contribute financially, there are other ways to help — sharing our work, submitting documents, or encouraging others to subscribe.

For those who prefer the traditional route, our donation page remains available.

As a reminder, NJ21st is a nonprofit civic journalism organization, but we are organized as a 501(c)(4) to preserve our editorial independence. The trade-off is that contributions are not tax-deductible, but every cent directly supports our core mission: expanding independent, fact-based journalism while involving students and everyday residents in holding local governments accountable.

We remain Not For Profit. Independent. Fact Based.

The NJ21st Team