The Work Department guided WDET through a participatory process that used “Framed by WDET” as a test case for helping nonprofit media organizations create sustainable engagement projects. In a discovery phase, we conducted precedent research to understand how other media organizations define and fund engagement journalism projects. The staff considered our findings in a series of facilitated workshops, during which we looked at best practices from other organizations and identified and prioritized three revenue generating tactics that WDET staff could incorporate into the “Framed by WDET” project. Working closely with staff, we developed easy to use project management templates and tools that they then used to implement the tactics. 

One of the tactics identified in our workshops was a crowdfunding campaign that would support the production of “Framed,” a book documenting “Framed by WDET.” Using the templates and tools we developed, along with the lessons learned from other organizations, the WDET staff was able to exceed their fundraising goal and produce the book.

The team continues to work on the implementation of the other revenue generating tactics. They are also working on creating a toolkit that other media organizations can use to create sustainability for their engaged journalism projects.