Ethics & Editorial Independence Policy

Preamble: Suncoast Searchlight is committed to the core principles of journalism and democracy as articulated by the Society of Professional Journalists:

• Seek truth and report it
• Act independently
• Minimize harm
• Be accountable and transparent

We practice these principles in service of our community. Our staff will uphold the highest interpretation of the ethical standards articulated in this document. While it can’t address every possible question that may arise, the values and actions described in this document are meant to serve as guidance in both practice and spirit. When in doubt about their actions, journalists should seek advice from their editors and the executive editor. 

Accuracy and transparency

• We strive to ensure everything we publish is accurate and contextual. Facts and assertions are checked to ensure this. 
• We rely on anonymous sources when other avenues of attribution have been exhausted. When we use an anonymous source, to the extent possible, we say why the person must be anonymous, and how they know what they know. Anonymous sources are used with approval by the executive editor.
• We treat people and organizations fairly. We provide the opportunity for our sources and subjects of our stories to comment. Key stakeholders should not be surprised by our published work. 
• As journalists we represent ourselves to the public and to our sources truthfully. We don’t deceive others in pursuit of information.
• When working with sources who may not be familiar with journalism, we take extra steps to ensure they understand we are journalists  and where the information will appear.
• We show our work. When referencing data, documents, or other original sources, we routinely provide links or other ways for audience members to see the material we relied on.  
• Off the record: The information cannot be used for publication. The source cannot be identified.
• On background: The information can be published and the source will be identified as anonymous, in accordance with conditions stated above.
• We take care to ensure that sources are quoted accurately and in context.
• When working with our partners, we take care to ensure that these standards are the foundation of our collaborations.
• We correct errors as quickly as possible. We note the correction in a place where readers who saw the error are likely to see the fix. We track our corrections.
• We are accessible and responsive to the public we serve. Our email addresses are easily found on our stories and on our news site. We host opportunities for the public to meet us in person.

Managing conflicts of interest

• Our reporting serves the interests and democratic needs of the residents of Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. Suncoast Searchlight maintains independent control over our work. 
• If our journalists have close personal or financial ties to an issue, person or organization we are reporting on, they disclose it to the executive editor. 
• We turn down gifts or freebies valued at more than $25. 
• We do not pay for interviews or otherwise incentivize sources to participate in our work. 
• We avoid purchasing stock or investing directly in companies that we cover.
• Because public faith in our work is critical to our mission, we keep our political views private. We don’t donate to political candidates or causes, sign petitions, participate in public protest or otherwise make public declarations of our personal political opinions. (This standard should not be used to limit expressions of identity. A good rule of thumb: Who you are cannot be a conflict of interest.)
• We are transparent about our business model, including maintaining and publishing a current list of funders every year. We don’t accept anonymous donations above $5,000.
• Our policies that guide our relationships with donors are kept up to date and can be found here. 
• When we are reporting on an organization or individual who has supported our work, we disclose the relationship in the reporting. 
• If staff members are considering outside employment, board service for an organization or freelance opportunities, they should seek permission from the executive editor, in writing.  The EE will rely on the guidance in this document in granting or denying permission and will offer a reply in writing.

Social media and other public expressions

• Every standard in this document applies to our activities on social media. Employees of Suncoast Searchlight always represent this news organization.  Even private accounts are public statements. Because our credibility is our most important asset, our actions on social media will uphold the guidelines articulated in this document. 

Process

These guidelines communicate expectations for everyone employed at Suncoast Searchlight and the journalism that we publish alone or with our partners. When questions arise, they will be thoroughly vetted with the executive editor and appropriate stakeholders, and we will make our decisions transparent both internally and externally.

Suncoast Searchlight retains full authority over its editorial content, ensuring that all news judgments are made independently of donor influence. Acceptance of financial support does not imply endorsement of donors, their products, services, or opinions.

We maintain a strict firewall between revenue sources and news coverage decisions to safeguard the integrity of our journalism.

Types of Acceptable Gifts

We accept the following types of gifts:

• Monetary Contributions: Cash, checks, credit card payments, direct ACH debits, and donor-advised funds (DAFs).
• Securities: Gifts of stock, which will be sold promptly upon receipt.
• Bequests and Estate Gifts: Estate contributions through wills or trusts, recorded when irrevocable.
• Matching Gifts: Contributions through workplace matching programs.
• In-Kind Donations: Goods or services that directly support our mission.

We may accept other non-standard gifts, such as real estate or tangible personal property, on a case-by-case basis, subject to board approval and due diligence to ensure alignment with our mission and manageable associated costs.

Gift Restrictions

We accept unrestricted gifts and gifts designated for specific purposes, provided they align with our mission and priorities. We will not accept gifts that:

• Compromise our editorial independence.
• Impose excessive administrative burdens.
• Create conflicts of interest or harm our reputation.
• Are restricted for purposes inconsistent with our mission.

Donor Transparency

We publicly disclose all donors contributing $5,000 or more annually. Anonymous gifts of less than $5,000 are accepted only for general support and with safeguards to ensure independence in their use.  

Source-and-Gift-Specific Policies

• Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) Suncoast Searchlight accepts donations from Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs), recognizing the DAF as the official donor, even if the relationship is with the individual contributor. To honor donor intentions, Suncoast Searchlight may place restrictions on DAF contributions to ensure alignment with the donor’s wishes. Donations over $10,000 are reviewed by the Finance Committee, supported by documentation from the donor and the DAF. Restricted donations follow our procedures for managing donor-restricted funds.
• Deferred Gifts Suncoast Searchlight accepts estate gifts through wills and trusts, recording them as gifts when they become irrevocable. If the gift is deferred to a future date, its present value may be recorded upon becoming irrevocable. Suggested Bequest Language: I hereby give, devise, and bequeath [dollar amount, percentage, or remainder] of my estate to the Community News Collaborative, dba Suncoast Searchlight, a nonprofit organization incorporated in Sarasota, Florida, with Federal Tax ID # 93-4147531, for its general purposes.
• Non-Standard Giving Sources:
  • Real Estate: Real estate gifts require Board approval, legal counsel input, and an independent appraisal. To be accepted, properties must:
• Serve Suncoast Searchlight’s purposes or be marketable within six months.
• Have minimal restrictions or liabilities (e.g., taxes, mortgages, insurance).
• Be sound and suitable for resale.
• The donor covers all associated costs (e.g., appraisals, legal fees, taxes)
• Tangible Personal Property:
  Suncoast Searchlight only accepts items like jewelry, artwork, or collectibles if they can be quickly sold and do not impose long-term obligations. No perishable or special-needs items will be accepted without prior Board approval. Donors must provide appraisals or proof of value.
• Specialized Gifts:Specialized donations (e.g., oil, gas, or mineral rights) are considered case by case.
• Gifts In-Kind: Suncoast Searchlight accepts in-kind gifts that align with its mission and provide tangible benefits. Donors are responsible for valuing these gifts. Suncoast Searchlight may decline gifts that do not meet its goals and may refer them to other charities.
• Private Foundations: Suncoast Searchlight accepts most foundation grants, even those tied to corporate earnings, provided:
• The foundation operates independently from the corporation.
• It has separate leadership and does not require Suncoast Searchlight endorsements or branding.
• The partnership does not harm Suncoast Searchlight’s reputation.
• Government Agencies: Suncoast Searchlight generally declines donations from government agencies, which are often subjects of our reporting. This policy safeguards our commitment to editorial independence and public trust. In rare circumstances (for example, pandemic-related relief funds), we may consider accepting this money so long as it's approved by the Board, free of any conditions that could influence our journalism and publicly disclosed to ensure full transparency.

Review and Approval Process

All gifts are subject to review by Suncoast Searchlight’s leadership. Gifts exceeding $10,000 or involving non-standard assets require approval by the Board of Directors.

Acknowledgment and Reporting

We acknowledge all gifts promptly, providing appropriate documentation to donors. Donors will be recognized in our annual report unless, and in the case the donation falls under $5,000, they request anonymity.

Donor Rights

Suncoast Searchlight affirms our donors’ rights to be informed about our organization’s mission and the use of our resources; to know the identity of our governing board and expect prudent judgment; to ensure gifts are used as intended; to have their donation information handled with respect; to expect professional relationships with representatives; and to ask questions and receive truthful, prompt answers.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically by Suncoast Searchlight’s Board of Directors to ensure alignment with our mission, ethical standards, and best practices in nonprofit governance.

For additional information or questions about this policy, please contact Suncoast Searchlight at emily@suncoastsearchlight.org.