We often get requests from non-profit organizations to publish information in the paper. Here are some tips to help with the process and some of the policies we have. This isn’t all inclusive, and there are occasionally some exceptions, however this article helps establish some standards we apply to almost every submission.
Non-profit status
Non-profits must be IRS section 501 c organization. If we can not find you in the online database, you MUST provide a determination letter. If we later find out that your determination has been revoked, you should understand that you will be back billed for the full amount that any ads or work was done with a non-profit discount. Most non-profits are considered to be higher-priority items for news.
Priority and inclusion in the paper.
Speaking of priority, we prioritize all non-profit submissions to the paper, and while we do give more weight to submissions from 501 C charities over clubs and other non-determined groups, this does not guarantee publication. We work as a team to determine what does and does not go into the paper. We look at how it helps the community, how it will resonate with our paper, and, to be honest, our personal convictions. The reputation of the organization and its principals also has a bearing on our decision.
Organizations that are political or religious are generally limited to only being in those sections of the paper. People in positions of authority or representing the organization can also help determine if a story is done, if advertising is accepted, and how we work with organizations.
Great Falls Gazette ALWAYS reserves the right to refuse to accept any submission for any or no reason. It is up to the organization to ‘sell us’ on it. We make no representation that anyone has a ‘right’ to be included in the paper, be it non-profit or commercial. Our reputation is not for sale to anyone.
Payment for services.
All non-profits are required to prepay for any services. Sadly, when we allowed billing, over 70% of all charges ended up not being paid. We have employees and bills to pay ourselves, and we are NOT a charity. We are a business that offers reduced cost and sometimes free services to non-profits. We are not obligated to do this; it’s something we choose to do, and we nearly chose to stop doing it because of some people who thought they were entitled to defraud us. We may allow some organizations to have billing after a suitable time frame, showing their good intentions; that privilege is subject to revocation at any time for billing issues. Non-payment can and will be brought up with the IRS, as all 501 C organizations are required to take care of their debts to continue having the 501 C status.
Abuse
Personal attacks against the paper or its staff will result in a permanent ban on the organization as well as potential legal actions. We treat people the same way they treat us. We love helping people, but when they bite our hands, that is the end of the relationship.
Positivity
Like all advertising and informational articles, we do not allow negative messages against others. You need to focus on the positives, how you are helping, and not on where some other person or organization is failing. Believe us, this helps you more than any negativity will!
Production
Generally, we do not have time to do your production. We HIGHLY encourage someone in your group to write a story or produce ads. If we write a story, that story is owned by us, and may not appear ANYWHERE else without our permission. If you write your own, it’s yours, and you can do what you like.
License to use
By submitting ANYTHING to the Great Falls Gazette, you are implicitly giving us a non-revocable license to use the material. We agree to credit you for your work; however, if it’s part of a larger story or section, you will share credit with the person who writes the story.