🌞 Help Make Southpoint Access Free, Fresh, and Rooted in South Durham

Dear Southpoint Access readers,

This summer, I’m launching something a little different - a Summer Support Drive to keep Southpoint Access strong, independent, and open to all.

You already know what we do here: clear, consistent neighborhood news without the noise. But behind every newsletter, map, list, and feature is a small but mighty operation - one that runs on time, care, and community backing.

Today, I’m asking for your help to raise $50,000 to support this work through the summer and beyond.

(NOTE: Some of you already support as subscribers - THANK YOU! - so please reach out if your subscription qualifies you for one of the reward tiers. You can find me at wes.platt@southpointaccess.news.)

🏡 Why Now?

Summer in South Durham is full of growth - new families, new businesses, new development proposals. That growth brings big questions. Your support helps make sure someone’s paying attention.

At a time when advertising dollars are uncertain and public funding for local media continues to shrink, reader support is what keeps Southpoint Access accessible - limited paywalls (ultimately, I want NO paywalls), no clickbait, and no corporate owners.

🌟 What You’re Supporting:

• 🛒 SoDu Shopping Basket – Weekly grocery price comparisons (currently a premium feature, but I'll remove the paywall if we reach our fundraising goal)
• 🚓 Crime & Safety Report – Police blotters and community alerts
• 🥦 School Cafeteria Menus – What kids are eating in Durham Public Schools
• ☕ Nerdspresso – Celebrating pop culture, TV, and nerd life with Jeff Stanford
• 🍕 Idrissa Eats the Streets – Honest food reviews from Idrissa A. Smith (Coming soon!)
• 🍷 The Gourmand Next Door – Culinary storytelling from Preston Wilson
• 🍼 Raising Durham – Parenting, partnerships, and life in the Bull City from Heather Hindin
• 🍽️ Restaurant Health Inspections – The clean (and not-so-clean) details (currently a premium feature, but I'll remove the paywall if we reach our fundraising goal)
• 🏗️ Development Watch – Zoning, rezonings, and new builds
• 🎒 School & Youth Beat – Coverage of DPS, youth sports, and the arts

🏖️ Summer Supporter Perks

I’ve made this a beach-themed fundraiser - because support should be fun. Here’s how I'm saying thanks:

• $50 – Sandcastle Club
  🎉 Your name on our digital Supporter Wall + shout-outs on social & livestreams
• $100 – Beach Towel Brigade
  ✨ A Southpoint Access sticker sheet + everything above
• $250 – Flip-Flop Society
  👜 A limited-edition recycled cotton tote (perfect for farmers markets or the beach)
• $500 – Cool Cooler Club
  🧊 A branded koozie + invite to a supporters-only editorial chat plus above
• $1,000 – VIP Cabana Circle
  📣 Your name in our newsletter all year long + all perks above
• $5,000 – Lighthouse Circle
  🔦 Recognition as a Major Sustainer + the opportunity to sponsor a local reporting project plus everything above

🧭 Let’s Keep Local News Rooted in South Durham

Your support helps me stay focused on community-powered journalism - not chasing clicks or pleasing corporate ad departments. This isn’t just a website - it’s a public service for neighbors, by neighbors.

If you’ve ever clicked on a headline here and thought, "I wouldn’t have known that otherwise,” - then please consider making a contribution today.