Support Student Political Journalism

Who are we? 

The Berkeley Political Review was founded in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, by a group of students dedicated to the informed analysis and discussion of political events. The very first issue featured coverage of the U.S. response to the attacks. Since then, BPR has covered two presidential elections, the war in Iraq, the election of Arnold Schwarzenegger as California governor, the expansion of the EU, global poverty, immigration raids, the politics of ethanol, Berkeley tree sitters, and everything in between.

24 years later, BPR remains the only nonpartisan political news magazine at UC Berkeley and has transformed tremendously from a small publication into a campus powerhouse endorsed by the Institute of Governmental Studies and the Journalism School. On a national level, BPR has been invited to the Alliance of Collegiate Editors. This national organization of fifteen collegiate sociopolitical publications fosters cross-campus dialogue on critical political issues and secures professional contacts for member publications. BPR is the only public school publication in this alliance, including Harvard, Brown, Columbia, Princeton, Duke, and several other top-tier universities. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Budget Breakdown

The Berkeley Political Review is UC Berkeley's nonpartisan, student-led political magazine that publishes both in print and online. This year, we are focused on expanding our reach and audience, so the money raised will go toward printing more magazines. Currently, we only have the funds to print enough for existing members, so it would be fantastic to expand our readership beyond that.

We print every semester, typically 3-4 weeks before the end of the semester. The funds are needed in early November and/or April.

Meeting our fundraising goal will allow Berkeley Political Review (BPR) to expand its readership because it will give the organization visibility beyond existing members. As more people read the printed magazine, we expect an increase in readership of our digital publications as well.

BPR is requesting $1,350 to support the printing of our upcoming semesterly magazine. Printing is our single largest recurring expense. Based on vendor quotes, printing costs are approximately $1,350 for 150 copies (or $1,700 for 200 copies) of a 36-page issue, and $2,400 for 150 copies (or $3,000 for 200 copies) of a 68-page issue. On average, each edition costs between $1,350 and $2,400, depending on the length and quantity. Since we plan to print three editions this academic year (two semesterly editions, as well as one backlog issue), our total annual printing costs are expected to range between $4,050–$7,200. This crowdfunding campaign will cover the printing of one edition and allow wider circulation this academic year.

How funds will be used

• Printing & Production ($1,300): professional vendor costs for ~150 copies of a 36-page magazine (paper, ink, and binding). 
• Design & Layout Support ($25): minor expenses to prepare files for print (e.g., design software not provided by the university). 
• Donor Recognition & Perks ($25): Thank-you perks include social media shout-outs, digital cards, and campaign updates. If small physical items (e.g., stickers) are included, each will cost under $1, in line with campus rules.

Contingency Plan

• If we do not meet our goal, all funds raised will still go to printing, but we will reduce the number of copies printed. Every $9 raised will go toward one additional copy ($1,350 ÷ 150 copies ≈ $9 per copy).
• If we surpass our goal, extra funds will go toward additional circulation for the spring and backlog editions, and toward outreach (e.g., more copies distributed, upgraded tabling supplies, banners).

All estimates are rough only, and actual expenditures may vary.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Your Donation and Support

The Berkeley Political Review (BPR) would genuinely like to thank you for all of your support! We are trying to reach our initial goal of $1350. All of this money will be used to cover the costs of our print magazine, which we distribute to Berkeley and beyond for FREE. Please make a gift today!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We Need You!

We are fundraising to cover the costs of printing BPR’s semesterly magazine, which is distributed to students, faculty, and community members free of charge. With your donation, we can continue to create quality content to impact, inform, and inspire others. To continue our success, we need your help. Please consider donating to the Berkeley Political Review — no matter how big or how small, every dollar counts! Thank you for your support!

For more information, check out our website at https://bpr.berkeley.edu.