Building a Portland Resource: Help Stumptown Savings Grow (And Buy a Cow)

Hey, reader,

When I lost my journalism job in April, I didn't wallow in self-pity. Instead, I created something Portland desperately needed: a hyper-local news resource focused on helping people save time and money on groceries.

Stumptown Savings was born from necessity — both mine and our community's. With food costs skyrocketing, Portlanders needed a trusted guide to navigate the best deals across our city. What started as a simple newsletter has quickly grown into something much more meaningful. Each week, I’m helping 1,299 Portlanders save hundreds on groceries. But I need your help to keep doing this.

Why This Matters

The local news landscape continues to shrink, leaving critical information gaps. Meanwhile, families are struggling with inflation and rising costs. Stumptown Savings bridges this gap by providing:

• Weekly grocery deal roundups that help readers save real money

• In-depth guides to farmers markets and local food resources

• Seasonal produce guides that connect consumers with local farmers

• Community-focused reporting that improves everyday lives

This isn't just another newsletter. It's essential infrastructure for Portland — focused on improving lives, not chasing clicks.

The Cow Campaign: Taking Stumptown Savings to the Next Level

That’s why I need your help. I've launched a $15,000 fundraising campaign to transform Stumptown Savings from a promising start into a sustainable resource for our community. Your contribution will help:

1. Expand Stumptown Savings’ reach to help more Portlanders save money

2. Build out coverage beyond just groceries to other essential services

3. Buy a cow to help expand access to locally-raised beef through a Stumptown Savings community meat share program

4. Create the foundation for Stumptown Savings long-term success with improved technology, resources and community engagement

But I’m not asking for handouts. I’m offering direct rewards/perks for your support. $50 unlocks an annual Stumptown Savers Club membership. $150 unlocks a lifetime membership. Are you already a Savers Club member? If you upgrade to a lifetime membership via this campaign, I’ll refund you your original membership rate. The fundraiser closes on Friday, June 20, 2025. So give today! 

Why Support Independent Journalism?

In just two months, Stumptown Savings has proven its value. Portlanders are signing up faster than expected and reporting saving hundreds of dollars on groceries, confirming this is exactly what our community needs. Your support now will ensure this resource continues to grow and serve Portland for years to come.

How You Can Help

1. Make a donation at givebutter.com/stumptownsavings

2. Share this campaign with friends, family, and colleagues — spread the word so more people know about Stumptown Savings

3. Subscribe to the newsletter at stumptownsavings.com

Even if you don't live in Portland, you can help! Local news is declining nationwide, but together we can build a new model for journalism that serves communities first.

Thank you for supporting this vital community resource. Together, we can build something that makes Portland stronger, more connected, and more affordable for everyone. (And buy some of the best damn beef raised in Oregon.)

Bryan,
Founder/Publisher,
Stumptown Savings