Value proposition

Investigative reporting for accountability and the truth

The Foundation for Financial Journalism launched in 2012 as the Southern Investigative Reporting Foundation with the goal of providing in-depth financial investigative reporting for the common good. After a name change in early 2020, the organization remains solidly committed to the same mission.

We believe that investigative journalism is a critical tool for ensuring corporate accountability. In recent years many news organizations have struggled to operate with a diminished amount of resources; established papers and magazines have curtailed or eliminated investigative reporting projects. Scores of experienced editors and reporters — well versed in the technicalities of accounting, finance and the broader capital markets — have left the field. This loss has taken a toll on business journalism, which serves as an important civic guardrail of consumer and shareholder protection.

Our foundation produces substantive investigative reporting without fear or favor. These investigations bring to life important stories that illuminate the many ways investors, consumers and market stakeholders are regularly misled.

We accomplish this by carefully mining corporate legal and financial filings — including the skillfully buried footnote inside a quarterly report, or the overlooked exhibit in a forgotten legal claim. This sleuthing (coupled with ample shoe leather reporting) is aimed at presenting the clearest possible picture of a subject.

The hallmark of the foundation’s reporting is a commitment to accuracy, depth in news gathering and clarity in presentation. In doing this work, we strive to conduct the foundation’s business by meeting or exceeding the highest standards in nonprofit governance and ethical journalism. Apart from pursuing the truth and increasing knowledge, our work is free of any agenda. Investigations are published free of charge, without ads or sponsors.

We are funded solely through the tax-deductible contributions of individual donors and foundations.

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