KPR's Fall Membership Drive sets new record, raising $337,000

LAWRENCE – Kansas Public Radio listener-members came through for the public radio station during their fall membership drive, which took place from Sept. 22-30 and raised more than $337,000 – the most successful fall campaign in KPR’s 70-year history. Generous members also provided more than $53,000 in challenge grants in order to encourage their fellow KPR fans to contribute to the station and match their gift during a certain timeframe.

The station relies on private support more than ever, as the majority of funds come from individuals who contribute to the station in order to ensure it can continue broadcasting and serving the community. Of the total raised, more than half now can be attributed to KPR Sustainers, or those who give monthly on an ongoing basis.

“Reflecting on the 70-year history of what is now known as Kansas Public Radio, it is clear that our public radio service is a labor of love. Like the state of Kansas motto, ‘Ad astra per aspera,’ KPR continues to reach for the stars even when faced with difficulty. In the past, KANU’s broadcast towers have fallen but rose again to continue providing service. Budget cuts have threatened to bring Kansas Public Radio down, but faithful listeners and underwriters have risen to the challenge to fill the gap and now provide more than 84% of our funding, and we couldn’t be more grateful,” said KPR Director Dan Skinner. 

All donations during membership drives directly support KPR’s local and national programming, including news and talk shows from NPR, locally hosted music shows like classical music, "Trail Mix" and the "Retro Cocktail Hour," and all of the equipment and technology that makes programs on KPR possible.

Although the drive has concluded, listeners can still show their support for KPR by donating online at kansaspublicradio.org.

KPR, a 21-time Kansas Association of Broadcasters Station of the Year, licensed to KU, 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.