diff --git a/doc/source/whatsnew/v0.17.1.txt b/doc/source/whatsnew/v0.17.1.txt
index de6c20a292eac..5b2b316158c40 100755
--- a/doc/source/whatsnew/v0.17.1.txt
+++ b/doc/source/whatsnew/v0.17.1.txt
@@ -3,6 +3,12 @@
 v0.17.1 (November 21, 2015)
 ---------------------------
 
+.. note::
+
+   We are proud to announce that *pandas* has become a sponsored project of the not-for-profit `NUMFocus organization`_. This will help ensure the success of development of *pandas* as a world-class open-source project.
+
+:: _numfocus organization: http://numfocus.org/news/2015/10/09/numfocus-announces-new-fiscally-sponsored-project-pandas/
+
 This is a minor bug-fix release from 0.17.0 and includes a large number of
 bug fixes along several new features, enhancements, and performance improvements.
 We recommend that all users upgrade to this version.