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FAQ: Our membership program

Are you a current supporter of The 19th or considering joining our membership program? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about our nonprofit news organization and membership. Do you have a question that isn’t answered here? Please contact [email protected].

Q: How do I become a member?

A: Visit 19thnews.org/membership and make a donation of at least $5 to our nonprofit newsroom. Members who give at least $5/year are eligible for associated benefits. To donate $1,000 or more, visit our major gifts page. 

Q: What are the membership tiers?

A: Membership levels are determined by the total amount received by an individual within the previous 365 days; this may include multiple gifts and gift types (one-time and recurring).

  • Ally – total donations between $5 and $19.
  • Advocate – total donations between $20 and $199.
  • Ambassador – total donations between $200 and $999.
  • Investor – total donations at or above $1,000.

Q: What is a founding member?

A: Anyone who donated $5 or more during 2020.

Q: I am a current 19th member. Why isn’t my name on the donor wall?

A: We update our donor wall on the 1st of every month with supporters who donated $5 or more. Updates are on a month delay, for example, July donors will appear on Sept. 1. If you still don’t see your name on our donor wall, please contact [email protected] to inquire about your donation. 

Q: Can my name be left off the donor wall?

A: There isn’t an option for making an anonymous donation or to be excluded from our donor wall. We require first and last name for transparency in who is funding our journalism.

Q: I donated to The 19th — so when do I get my swag?

A: We mail swag on a monthly basis to members with U.S. addresses (including P.O. boxes and military addresses). We do not mail swag to international addresses. Have you moved? Please update your mailing address in our member portal to ensure we mail it to the right address. 

Q: How can I get a confirmation of my donation?

A: The donation receipt, which is emailed to you, is our way of confirming your membership and welcoming you to our member community.

Q: Can I contribute less than $19 and still become a member?

A: Giving $19 a year is our most popular membership — but any donation of at least $5 grants you membership.

Q: What are the benefits of membership?

A: Membership benefits vary by giving level.

Ally benefits:

  • A place on our gratitude wall
  • Our members-only newsletter
  • Swag: sticker and thank you note

Advocate benefits:

  • Ally benefits, plus
  • Quarterly stakeholder reports
  • Swag: sticker, button and thank you note

Ambassador benefits:

  • Ally and advocate benefits, plus
  • Exclusive event invites
  • Swag: sticker, button, tote and thank you note

Investor benefits:

  • Ambassador benefits, plus
  • Inclusion on our patron gratitude wall
  • Swag: sticker, button, tote and thank you note

All members donating at least $5 in our founding year will also receive a token of our appreciation in the mail. Please make sure your mailing address is current in our member portal.   

Q: When will I receive my membership benefits?

A: Your membership starts when we receive your contribution!

Q: How long does a 19th* membership last?

A: Your membership is considered current if you have an active recurring gift or if you have made a donation of at least $5 within the past 365 days. Your membership is considered lapsed one year from your last recurring installment or from your last donation.

Q: When will I receive the members-only newsletter?

A: Our members-only newsletter, The Asterisk, is sent to members on the first day of every month. If you become a member after the first day of the month, you will receive the next month’s edition. You may opt out of the newsletters any time by updating your preferences here

Q: Can I gift a membership to the 19th?

A:  We do not offer gift memberships. You may donate in honor or memory of someone in our online donation form.

Q: How do I cancel a recurring donation?

A: We understand financial circumstances change. You may cancel a recurring gift at any time by visiting our member portal and clicking “cancel donation.” And don’t worry, your gifts-to-date will still count toward your annual membership. If you’d like to keep your recurring donation, you may also lower your gift amount or set a different payment date in our member portal.  

Q: How can I update the email address associated with my donation?

A: If you’d like to change the email address associated with your recurring or one-time gift, please contact [email protected].

Q: How do I update my payment method or donation amount?

A: You may update your membership at any time by visiting our member portal. There, you can change your recurring gift amount, set a different payment date or update your payment method. 

Q: I get the members-only newsletter, but I want more frequent updates. How do I subscribe to other newsletters? 

A: You can subscribe to our daily newsletter here and our weekly newsletter here

Q: I’m trying to make an ACH donation, but I don’t see any micro-deposits in my bank account.  

A:  The micro-deposits take two to three days to process. If you still don’t see them after three days, please contact [email protected] for alternative methods of giving.  

Q: Can I donate with a check?  

A: Yes, we’re grateful for gifts in all forms! Please mail your check to: 


The 19th News
3571 Far West Blvd #3497
Austin, TX 78731

Q: What other forms of payment could I use?  

A: We currently accept digital payments via:

  • Credit Card
  • PayPal
  • Google Pay
  • Apple Pay
  • ACH (banking account)

Q: My question hasn’t been answered in the FAQ, who do I contact?

A: For questions about your membership, please email [email protected]

For questions about major gifts or the donor wall, please email [email protected]

For questions about your newsletter subscriptions, please email [email protected]

For other general inquiries, please contact [email protected]