Impact

At CalMatters, we know California can solve its challenges and create a brighter future. And we know that quality, high-impact journalism plays a vital role in creating that future.

With nearly 40 million people and the world’s fifth-largest economy, we have endless opportunities. We also have substantial problems to solve together. Explaining our government and how it works – or doesn’t – and holding elected officials accountable for their decisions creates a better informed and more engaged California, a more secure democracy, and a state where more people may build the lives of their dreams.

CalMatters is an award-winning, nonpartisan, nonprofit journalism venture that explains how California’s government works and why it matters. We’re based in Sacramento, with journalists across California, covering both the decision-making that happens in the Capitol and the effects of those policies in all corners of the state. We work to lift up the stories of those whose voices are rarely heard in government.

Because of the investments by our generous supporters, our work results in new legislation, investigations of lawmakers, regulation overhauls, and discussions across the state – from committee rooms to living rooms. Here’s a sampling of how we make a difference.

A growing number of readers rely on our work because our stories impact their lives.

We now average 1 million website visitors per month. Millions more see our work through Apple News, Patch, and the more than 250 media organizations in California to which we give our stories at no cost. Here we give a look at our impacts by the numbers:

• Reach measures how many people see our work and spread our journalism.
• Growth looks at our staffing level and count of published news stories.
• Relevance shows people reading our newsletters and following us on social media.
• And engagement tracks how many people engage with us and support our work.

Impact Reports

• 2025 Annual Report
• 2024 Annual Report
• 2023 Annual Report
• 2023 Mid-Year Report
• 2022 Annual Report
• 2022 Mid-Year Report
• 2021 Annual Report

Annual Primers

• 2025-26
• 2024-25
• 2023-24
• 2022-23
• 2021-22
• 2020-21
• 2019-20

We are proud to help our more than 250 media partners across the state serve their communities’ news and information needs by providing CalMatters stories, at no cost. Please email us to learn about becoming a CalMatters media partner. We have a handy embed tool with code that makes it easy for publishers to use our stories and graphics on your site. 

For questions about media partnerships, please contact Chief Development Officer Kate Looby at kate@calmatters.org.