Kansas Public Radio’s Campaign for Excellence raises over $360,000
LAWRENCE – Kansas Public Radio’s spring membership drive, the Campaign for Excellence, raised over $360,000.
The drive began April 9 with the Power Breakfast, 90 minutes of fundraising that brought in more than $25,000, and concluded April 16.
In addition to listener pledges, KPR received $62,000 in challenge grants, which are provided by an individual, company or foundation that challenges listeners to match their gift of a specific amount within a certain timeframe.
This spring, listeners who pledged during KPR’s popular "Retro Cocktail Hour" received a Retro Cocktail Hour pin if they gave $60 or more.
The station also partnered with the Topeka PetSmart to provide an item to the Helping Hands Humane Society in Topeka for every pledge received on “Fursday” (Thursday, April 15).
On Ten Dollar Tuesday, April 13, KU Endowment employees provided a $10,000 match and encouraged listeners to contribute at the $10-per-month level or more. The generous challenge was met early in the day.
Due to safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the drive was almost entirely remote, with most hosts and staff working from home to make fundraising appeals on the air, take pledge calls and take care of the administrative tasks associated with the drive. Community guests participated remotely via Zoom, and donors were encouraged to contribute at kansaspublicradio.org instead of by phone, because the station did not use volunteers to take calls.
All donations during membership drives directly support KPR’s local and national programming. KPR lost more than $70,000 in corporate sponsorship income because of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and must rely on individual support more than ever.
“KPR listeners continue to amaze us with their generosity and support,” said KPR Director Dan Skinner. “I know that this past year has been difficult for everyone, and we are so thankful to our members for coming through for us last week. They make me proud to be a part of Kansas Public Radio.”
Although the drive has concluded, listeners can still donate online at kansaspublicradio.org.
KPR, a 19-time Kansas Association of Broadcasters Station of the Year, licensed to the University of Kansas, broadcasts on 91.5 FM and 96.1 FM in Lawrence, 89.7 FM in Emporia, 91.3 FM in Olsburg-Junction City, 89.9 FM in Atchison, 90.3 FM in Chanute, and 99.5 FM and 97.9 FM in Manhattan.
KPR can be heard online at kansaspublicradio.org. KPR also operates KPR2, a news-talk programming stream, which can be heard on an HD receiver or on KPR’s website, and on 96.1 in Lawrence and 97.9 in Manhattan.