Hello, I’m Will Dowd.

After more than a decade reporting on Marblehead, I launched The Marblehead Independent in September 2025 with a simple idea: this town deserves journalism that is independent and reader-powered — work done with intention, shaped by context, told with clarity, held with care and guided by a long memory.

Continuity is key in local journalism. Reporters come and go, but a newsroom rooted in its community — and supported by its readers — can carry the long memory forward. That is the promise of The Independent: steady, consistent coverage that does not disappear when staff changes.

Independent journalism has real costs and, as we seek to partner with businesses and organizations, we believe in being transparent about them. We have built a model that keeps overhead low on purpose. The Marblehead Independent operates on a lean annual budget of $80,000 and 95 cents of every dollar goes directly into creating journalism — reporting, editing, publishing tools, insurance and the essential infrastructure needed to cover this town every day.

We have been fortunate to receive Founders’ Circle support from a wide spectrum of community members. Click this text to see our growing list of Founders’ Circle members.

Since launching, our readership has grown quickly. And as more locals turn to us for daily reporting, many business owners have asked how they can be part of this community-led effort.

There are two simple ways to partner with us, each built on the idea that local businesses and local journalism rise together:

• Sponsorships
• MHD Indy Perks

Sponsorship Opportunities

Steady, respectful visibility.

If you want your brand in front of Marblehead readers throughout the year — not with a hard sell, but with quiet credibility — a six-month sponsorship is the clearest path. At the end of the six months, you have the option of renewing.

What Sponsorship Includes

• Logo and link on our Sponsors page
• Recognition in our newsletter
• Social media shoutouts
• Visibility tied to civic, cultural and community reporting

All placements are predictable, uncluttered and scheduled so your support is noticed, not lost.

These Marblehead businesses are current sponsors of The Independent.

Altova
Carol Kent Yacht Charters
All Computers Great and Small
Lighthouse Fitness Studio
Marblehead Children’s Center

We welcome new sponsors throughout the year.

Sponsorship Levels

Neighbor — $500

Six months of:

• Logo, business name and link on the Sponsors page
• Weekly Facebook recognition
• Hyperlink in every newsletter
• Welcome spotlight
• Inclusion in the year-end “Sponsors of 2025” feature

👉 Click here to become a Neighbor sponsor.

Community — $750

Everything in “Neighbor,” plus:

• Two newsletters as a presenting sponsor
• Weekly sponsor scheduling for consistent visibility

👉 Click here to become a Community sponsor.

Premier — $1,000

Our most prominent placement. Six months of:

• Top-of-page logo placement on the Sponsors page
• Three presenting newsletter recognitions

👉 Click here to become a Premier sponsor.

How Sponsorships Work

Two featured sponsors per week.
Each week, two sponsors are highlighted in up to two newsletters with logos and links.

Sponsors page updated weekly.
Every Friday, all active sponsors appear on a dedicated page — linked in every newsletter and shared regularly on Facebook.

Consistent visibility.
Each sponsor appears on a reliable rotation, according to tier. Clear, simple, and never cluttered.

Newsletter presenting-sponsor format:
This week’s newsletter sponsor is [Sponsor Name]. Their support helps sustain independent local reporting in Marblehead. Learn more at [sponsorwebsite.com].

(Your logo appears above or beside this text, hyperlinked to your website.)

Nonprofit Discount

Nonprofits receive 50% off any sponsorship tier.
Individuals may also sponsor a nonprofit on its behalf.

MHD Indy Perks

A simple, no-cost way to welcome new customers and show support for independent local news

Indy Perks is a free program based on reciprocity. Businesses offer a small standing perk, and in return they receive steady visibility among the most engaged readers in Marblehead — people who consistently support local institutions and the journalism that serves them.

How It works

• You choose a small standing perk — something easy for your team and enjoyable for customers.
  Examples include: “Free appetizer with two entrées,” “10% off weeknights,” “Free coffee upgrade,” “$5 off $50.”
• Indy members show their membership confirmation email on their phone at checkout.
  No cards, no codes, no scanning and no staff training.
• You can pause or change the offer at any time.
  We build around your pace, not the other way around.
• We feature your business on the Indy Perks page and introduce you in our newsletter and on Facebook.

Why businesses join

• Reaches Marblehead’s most engaged local readers
• Brings new customers in during slower periods
• Encourages repeat visits and word-of-mouth
• Costs nothing and takes minutes to set up
• Creates a sense of reciprocity — you support local journalism and our readers support you
• Provides immediate positive visibility as an Indy Perks Partner

Indy Perks works because it strengthens the local loop: a community supporting the businesses that support its independent news.

Already participating

Marblehead Museum offers 10% off in its gift shop.

Join Indy Perks (it takes 2 minutes)
👉 https://tr.ee/HKZaHFLqsf

Let’s talk

If you’d like to discuss what might work best for your business, I’m always happy to stop by in person.

Contact
Will Dowd
Founder & Editor
The Marblehead Independent
Suite 306
74 Atlantic Avenue
Marblehead, Massachusetts 01945
Email: wdowd@marbleheadindependent.com