KPR's fall membership drive breaks record, raising over $315K

LAWRENCE – Kansas Public Radio received overwhelming support from listeners during its fall membership drive, which raised more than $315,000, making it the most successful fall drive in the station’s history.

In addition to listener pledges, KPR received $59,433 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 fall, many KPR listeners who gave at the $120/year and above level received a KPR-branded face mask as a thank-you gift. The station also partnered with Hy-Vee to provide a high-need item to the Lawrence Humane Society for every pledge received on “Fursday” (Thursday, Sept. 17). On Sept. 14, KPR encouraged listeners to help meet a $10,000 challenge by renewing or upgrading their sustaining membership. By midnight that night, the station had met its goal of 150 new or upgrading sustainers and unlocked the generous challenge.

Due to safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, this 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.

All donations during membership drives directly support KPR’s local and national programming. KPR lost more than $50,000 in corporate sponsorship income due to the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and must rely on individual support more than ever.

“We are so grateful to the many listeners who contributed to the station last week,” said KPR Executive Director Dan Skinner. “Member support has helped KPR overcome the financial challenges we’ve faced over the past several months and has allowed us to continue to provide the same level of programming to our listeners, who depend on us now more than ever.”

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.