Hello!

For those of you who do not know, I have been volunteering for the Chicago Independent Radio Project (CHIRP) for the past 5 years.  CHIRP is an independent, volunteer-run, community radio station dedicated to providing Chicago and beyond with the best local and independent music from all genres and eras.  I have volunteered in many different capacities during my time with the station including screening and reviewing new albums for the music department, tabling various shows and festivals, and helping out with our semiannual record fairs.  Right now I am currently a DJ hosting Wednesday evenings from 6:00-8:00 and serving as an Assistant Music Director.  I have become more involved with the station with each passing year and it has become a big part of my life.  Through my time at CHIRP, I cultivated some great friendships, became way more connected with Chicago’s local music scene, and introduced my listeners to great new music in the process.

As I mentioned before, CHIRP plays an exceptionally wide variety of music that you won’t hear on any other radio station.  When I am on the air, it is perfectly normal for me to play punk, metal, electronic, hip hop, R&B, folk, blues, and jazz all within the same 2 hour show!  Our station is fun and exciting to listen to and our DJs are a dedicated group of musical lovers with very unique tastes.  

The reason we are able to have this unique programming is because we are a nonprofit radio station that is not bound to corporate advertisers.  In order for us to continue to provide you with the best local and independent music- we rely heavily on donations from listeners like you to help us pay the rent, utilities, streaming costs, transmitter maintenance, and many other expenses associated with running a radio station.  To help cover these expenses, we have a goal of raising $30,000 during our Fall 2021 pledge drive.  My personal fundraising goal is $400, or about 1.33% of our stationwide goal.

We understand that COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the economy and many people are currently experiencing financial hardships.  If you are in a similar situation, please disregard my upcoming request and take care of yourself first.  However, if your finances permit and you enjoy our programming, a small donation (even just $5 to $10) would be greatly appreciated!  Thank you so much for your support!

Peace, love, and community radio,

Eric 

CHIRP is your community radio station.

In these times, it's important to have things you can rely on in your life. Things that provide some consistency -- and hopefully, some joy! -- even when the rest of life is strange and too often, stressful.

Over the course of the past eighteen months, we hope that CHIRP has provided that source of happy reliability for you. We've been able to continue our work throughout the pandemic, always lifting up the voices of local artists and nonprofits, always commercial-free, and with live, passionate, curious DJs, because of your generous support.

If you believe in this work, and if you're able, we hope you'll support the station with a gift today.

If you would like to become a sustaining member by making a recurring donation (monthly or quarterly), or if you want to 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).