Support Stop Secrecy

Stop Secrecy is a public-interest transparency organization dedicated to promoting government accountability and public understanding of government operations through lawful access to public records.

Stop Secrecy does not request public records for sale, resale, trade, or commercial advantage. All public records requests are made solely for public, educational, and civic purposes, consistent with the principles of the Freedom of Information, the public’s right to access public records, and government accountability which drives our transparency mission.

Stop Secrecy is supported by voluntary membership donations. Contributions help cover operational costs associated with public-interest transparency work, including education, research, and the development of tools that assist individuals and organizations in exercising their rights under FOIA.

Participation and Support Models

In certain circumstances, Stop Secrecy works with aligned public-interest entities seeking assistance with transparency-related efforts. These relationships are evaluated individually and are structured to support public accountability, not commercial use of records.

• Individual participation
  Requires sponsorship by a public-interest organization.
• Local Public-interest organizations
  Application-based participation.
  Deposit $2,500 and up, refundable depending on outcomes, scope (state-by-state pricing).
• Large/Federal Public-interest organizations
  $5,000 and up / month
• Media organizations
  Based on topical or geographic coverage.
  Starting at $1,000 per month.
• Law firms
  Pre-litigation transparency and records analysis.
  Starting at $5,000.
• Full-service transparency support
  Pre-litigation analysis, FOIA requests and monitoring, and litigation coordination.
  $25,000.
• Specialized civil rights and transparency litigation support
  $25,000, not including appellate work or costs.

COGS has no owners and does not pay legal fees to non-attorneys. When appropriate, COGS assists in identifying and retaining attorneys whose work aligns with transparency and civil rights objectives.

Scholarships and reduced-cost participation are available when resources allow.

Use of Public Records

Any public records obtained by or with the support of Stop Secrecy are used exclusively to inform the public about government operations, educate communities on public records law and compliance, and promote transparency, accountability, and civic participation.

Stop Secrecy does not sell, license, or commercially distribute public records.

Non-Commercial Purpose Statement

All public records requests supported by Stop Secrecy are submitted for a non-commercial purpose, as defined under the Freedom of Information Act. Requests are made to contribute to public understanding of government affairs and not for trade, profit, resale, or commercial solicitation.

FOIA Notice

Stop Secrecy is a non-commercial requester. Public records are requested and used solely for public interest, educational, and accountability purposes, and not for sale, resale, or commercial advantage.