The New Pine Plains Herald has been named a finalist for a national journalism award recognizing nonprofit newsrooms that deliver meaningful impact through original reporting.
The Herald is one of two finalists in the “micro” division for the 2025 Community Champion Award, presented by the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN). The award honors public service journalism that drives positive change. The “micro” category highlights outlets with annual budgets under $250,000.
The nomination stems from an article published in April 2024 by Herald editor Patrick Grego and contributor — and Herald co-founder — Darrah Cloud, which sparked ongoing coverage of accessory dwelling units across Northern Dutchess County. That reporting revealed Dutchess County had failed to apply for a new state grant program supporting ADUs. The original and subsequent coverage helped prompt public awareness and coordination among local officials, ultimately contributing to Pine Plains, Stanford, and eight other Dutchess municipalities securing a combined $6 million in funding for ADUs across the region. Applications for funding officially opened in July.
Chosen from nearly 600 entries nationwide, the Herald joins a finalist cohort of 76 newsrooms, including the Austin Free Press and Kansas City Defender. Winners will be announced Sept. 10.
Founded in 2022, The New Pine Plains Herald serves the towns of Pine Plains, Ancram, Gallatin, Milan, and Stanford. As a nonprofit newsroom, it is powered by a small staff and a team of volunteers committed to independent reporting on government, housing, schools, the arts, and local life.