Editorial and Ethics Policy

Reasons to Be Cheerful is a non-partisan editorial venture of the Arbutus Foundation, a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization delivering projects that inspire and educate in surprising ways.

At Reasons to Be Cheerful, we tell stories that reveal that there are, in fact, a remarkable number of reasons to feel cheerful. Many of these reasons come in the form of smart, proven, replicable solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. We’re here to tell you about some of them. Through sharp reporting, our stories balance a sense of healthy optimism with journalistic rigor, and find cause for hope. We are part magazine, part therapy session, part blueprint for a better world.

Reasons to be Cheerful was founded by artist and musician David Byrne, who believes in the power of approaching the world with curiosity—in art, in music, in collaboration and in life. Reasons to be Cheerful embodies this sensibility, applying it now to the future of our world. 

At Reasons to Be Cheerful, we believe in transparency and editorial independence.  This project, like all the projects of the Arbutus Foundation, receives financial support from donors such as individuals and foundations.   We comply with all government regulations that not-for-profit organizations must adhere to in order to remain in good standing with the public, and that includes telling you about how to contribute and what funds support.  

We know that potential conflicts of interest can arise when rigorous journalism, especially the kind that we are committed to at Reasons to Be Cheerful, meets support from donations.  Philanthropy, the issues that our work spotlights, and the people we work with, including other journalists and other publications, sometimes have diverging interests.  We remain committed to the highest standards in journalism and that is rooted on the pillar of independent practice.  We won’t change content based on where funds are coming from. Our funders know that this is a core value of Reasons to Be Cheerful.  Hmmm…that’s a reason to be very cheerful- for our writers, for our funders, for our readers. It’s called Trust.  

Regarding contributions, Reasons to Be Cheerful falls under the umbrella of the Arbutus Foundation, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.  That means that your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. When you donate through our website, you will receive confirmation that you can claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes via email and that will be your donation receipt as your official record.

If you wish to discuss this policy and/or your contribution, please reach out to [email protected]. We want to hear from you.