by Lisa Aciukewicz ·
Friday, July 10, 2026
As we prepare for our summer break (July 10–Aug. 10), we would like to report what’s been happening at the Press in 2026—and to thank you for making all of it possible.
The Press was thrilled to receive the general excellence award from the New England Newspaper and Press Association, honoring weekly newspapers in markets with circulation under 5,000. It’s a huge recognition for our hardworking team, and it reflects the care our staff— our editors, reporters, photographers, and designers—puts into this paper every single week.
The Press has operated as a for-profit business since 2006. In reality we rarely turn a profit, and in the years we do, it’s a modest one. After considerable thought over the past several years, we’re now seriously exploring a move to nonprofit status. We want to walk you through why, and what it would—and wouldn’t—mean for the paper you know.
Our mission is to provide the accurate, fair, and thorough reporting residents need to participate in local government and community life; to strengthen the town’s sense of itself through stories that reflect its people, history, and future; and to foster the next generation of journalists by creating opportunities to learn and practice the craft of community news. That mission is civic, not commercial. The truth is, we wouldn’t exist without our generous donors and sustaining subscribers. As much as we value our print advertisers, the income from them alone is simply not enough to fund a newspaper in this day and age.
As a 501(c)(3), the Press could accept tax-deductible donations, apply for grants, and fundraise in a meaningful, sustained way. Grant committees and major donors are also generally more comfortable supporting a 501(c)(3) than an LLC, in part because of the reporting and audit requirements that come with nonprofit status—requirements that build trust.
Small papers like ours often struggle to find a next owner when the people running them are ready to step back. A nonprofit structure means the Press doesn’t depend on finding a buyer—it can outlive any one owner, and it makes it easier to recruit an engaged board and volunteer contributors motivated by public service rather than by equity. This spring, that succession planning became real for us. Sue Robbins, a longtime co-owner of the Press, has stepped away from her ownership role. She continues to work with our advertisers, and her experience and eye for this paper remain as vital to it as ever.
What wouldn’t change is our commitment to covering Town Meeting, schools, local government, and the people and events that make Harvard, Harvard. We’d continue to offer the print and digital paper you rely on.
What would change is our ability to endorse political candidates, as nonprofits are prohibited from doing so. We think that’s a fair trade for the long-term stability nonprofit status would offer.
We plan to make a final decision over the next couple of months. If you’d like to be part of that conversation, or you’re interested in exploring a role on our board, please reach out—details are below.
With funding we’ve received through our donors, we’ve been hard at work on a new website. All the news, stories, and photos you’re accustomed to will be there with clearer navigation and improved search options.
Our staff will have more flexibility to post breaking news, so you can stay up to date between print editions.
Last fall, the Press ran a major recruitment effort that led to the hiring and training of several new journalists. We’ve also added new editors and proofreaders to our team over the past few months. You may have noticed new bylines in the paper this spring—our newest reporters are stepping into the vital work of community journalism.
Funding our operations while we revamp our website and recruit and train new staff is crucial. If you’ve given generously to the Press already—thank you. You’ve supported real, tangible change. At the same time these necessary long-term changes have stressed our operating budget. If you’re able to make a gift, or an additional gift now, it would make a real difference. Click “DONATE” in the top navigation menu on our website or use the QR code above to give. Donations made this way are tax deductible through our nonprofit sponsor.
Thank you, as always, for reading us, supporting us, and believing that Harvard deserves a paper of its own. If you’d like to be part of the conversation on nonprofit status, or you’re interested in exploring a board role, please reach out to me directly at lisa@harvardpress.net.
Lisa Aciukewicz is the owner and publisher of The Harvard Press.