Last year was my best fundraising year ever at CHIRP, as I topped $1500 twice, and, last spring,51 people donated in my name. So my goal this pledge drive is to get 52 people, at least, to donate. I'm keeping my monetary goal the same -- what is important is to get support from as many people as I can. 

Why? Because CHIRP is worth it. We have two part-time employees and 200+ volunteers who work hard to keep us broadcasting live every day from 6 a.m. to midnight (and sometimes to 3 a.m.). Running a transmitter costs money. Streaming on the internet costs money. Renting space costs money. And other than our employees, everyone working at the station is doing it as a labor of love. So your donation, in any amount, helps us pay the bills and inspires everyone to keep working harder.

And what do we do? Well, a number of things. We provide 18 to 21 hours, every day, of live, original music programming, providing a true alternative to commercial radio programming. We put a special emphasis on local music -- every hour you will here multiple songs by artists from Chicagoland (which we define broadly, as Rockford, Zion, Champaign and other Illinois towns get some love), and a true variety of music. By emphasizing local music, we have become an important part of Chicago's music community. We also are a community unto ourselves, a mix of people with broadcasting experience, and people who've never done anything radio related, getting things done. One of my favorite things at CHIRP is training new DJs, and it's even cooler that I can hear them in my car now.

So, as you can see, my goal is $1000, but reaching 50 donors, at least, is even more important to me, because it's great to get as many people I know to provide support for something that is very important to me. And while I welcome big donations, $10 would also be great, because every little bit helps.If you donate $10, I'll dedicate a cool cover to you on one of my shows. Donate $30 or more, and I'll send you a musical surprise (and play one of those covers for you). And we have cool promotional items for donations of $60, $120, and $240 (but you should go to chirpradio.org/donatenow if you want that swag).

It blows me away that I've been DJing at CHIRP, ever since we started streaming in January of 2010. Your donation helps keep me going, and is very much appreciated.

UPDATE: March 28, 6:00 p.m. -- I raised my goal to $1100 after making my initial goal of $1000.

Supporting CHIRP is a Sound Investment! 

CHIRP is a truly a listener-supported, volunteer-driven station and it is due to the generosity of fans and supporters like you that we keep bringing local artists, new music, and Chicago happenings to Chicago and beyond. Please make a gift supporting our spring fund drive so we can continue to bring you great music and events!

No commercials. No voice-tracking. No algorithms. Just great music brought to you by true music fans.

If you would like to become a sustaining member by making a recurring donation (monthly or quarterly), or select a thank you gift, please visit CHIRP's main donation page to make your contribution (and don’t forget to enter the name of the CHIRP Volunteer or DJ in the “How did you hear about CHIRP” section so they can receive credit for your gift).