KPR’s fall membership drive breaks a record, raising $334,000

LAWRENCE – Kansas Public Radio listener-members came through for the public radio station during their fall membership drive Sept. 17-24 and raised $334,000 — the most successful fall campaign in KPR’s history. 

Generous members also provided more than $60,000 in challenge grants to encourage their fellow KPR fans to contribute to the station and match their gift during a certain timeframe. 

This was a crucial campaign for the station. Last spring, the University of Kansas cut KPR’s budget by $216,571 because of financial setbacks caused by the pandemic. To provide the same level of programming, Kansas Public Radio must now rely on private support for 84% of its operating budget. The majority of those funds come from individuals who contribute to the station to ensure it can continue to broadcast and serve the community.

“Kansas Public Radio listeners continue to amaze me with their generosity and loyalty,” said Dan Skinner, KPR director. “Our budget has been cut by more than $500,000 since 2015, and individual support has increased significantly in response to each reduction. We couldn’t be more grateful.” 
 
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, "Retro Cocktail Hour" and all of the equipment and technology that make 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 20-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.