About Us

Mission Statement

Austin Current is a nonprofit news organization committed to community-centered journalism. We provide Austinites the information they need to navigate daily life, understand the issues shaping our future and hold leaders accountable.

Inclusion

Austin Current is committed to inclusion and ensuring our coverage includes various perspectives from people of different beliefs, backgrounds and experiences.

Affiliation with The Texas Tribune and local partnerships

Austin Current is part of The Texas Tribune’s network of editorially independent local newsrooms. aimed at filling information gaps on the community level and building trust, and collaborating with other media organizations to strengthen Austin’s news ecosystem. The Current is partnering with KUT News on “Austin Signal,” a 30-minute local news show, and Austin PBS’ “Austin Insight,” a weekly program covering local people and issues.

How is Austin Current Funded?

The Current is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and is financially supported by a diversified business model that includes major donations from individuals and foundations, corporate sponsorships, a membership program, and other revenue streams. Editorial decisions are made by our journalists alone and are not influenced by donors.

AI and ethics policy

At Austin Current, we believe trust is earned through openness about how we work and who supports us.

Though Austin Current is an editorially independent newsroom, we align with the code of ethics and AI policy created by our sister publication, The Texas Tribune. Our AI principles include:

• We don’t publish text generated by AI tools unless we have verified and edited it.
• Our journalists won’t rely on generative tools as a primary source of information.
• We’ll tell you if we use AI for journalistic purposes such as data analysis, chatbots, or interactive modules.
• We will not use AI to generate images for news stories.

Membership Programs 

Austin Current exists to serve this community. And you can help build it. When you become a member, you’re not just supporting local journalism. You’re joining a special group of Austinites creating deep connection and value.

We are a proud nonprofit newsroom, and our members are essential to our sustainability. Your support funds in-depth local reporting and allows us to serve you and your neighbors.

Choose the donation level that works for you. Every tier comes with its own benefits — and the knowledge that you’re keeping local journalism alive in Austin.

Individual Membership

Donate up to $999 through a one-time or monthly donation and get the following benefits: 

• Recognition on our website 
• Austin Current decal 
• Members-only newsletter, including details about special projects and behind-the-scenes access to Austin Current’s newsroom

Sustainability Leadership Circle 

Join local leaders who fuel our reporting and impact through multi-year donations of $1,000 or more. Benefits include: 

• Exclusive quarterly in-person briefings with Austin Current leadership
• Members-only newsletter, including details about special projects and behind-the-scenes access to Austin Current’s newsroom
• Name or logo recognition on our website and organizational impact reports