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Investigative·Founded 2007
ProPublica
Center-LeftProPublica Inc. (nonprofit)
ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit investigative newsroom founded in 2007. Its initial funding came from the Sandler Foundation, established by Herbert and Marion Sandler. ProPublica has won multiple Pulitzer Prizes and is known for deep investigative reporting on government and corporate accountability.
Ownership Chain
ProPublicaProPublica Inc. (nonprofit)Board of Directors (nonprofit)
Funding Sources
Sandler Foundationother foundation grantsindividual donations
Known Conflicts of Interest
- •Major founding funding from the Sandler Foundation (Herbert and Marion Sandler made billions from Golden West Financial, a subprime lender).
- •Foundation funding model means editorial priorities may align with donor interests, though ProPublica maintains firewalls.
- •Has faced criticism from the right for alleged partisan targeting of conservative figures and organizations.
Notable Connections
- •Herbert Sandler made his fortune from Golden West Financial, which was criticized for its adjustable-rate mortgage lending
- •ProPublica partners with major newspapers for co-publication of investigations
- •Board includes former journalists and media executives from major outlets