We’re celebrating a lucky 13 years of CHIRP Radio in 2023. Yep, it was January 17, 2010 when CHIRP launched as a streaming station, and since then hundreds and hundreds of volunteers have contributed to our success. We persevered through the pandemic, and as of last fall, we were finally able to on board a slew of new volunteers, including new DJs. I was able to train a new DJ in the studio for the first time in three years. 

In the meantime, equipment has had to be replaced, and systems need to be improved. And the everyday bills always have to get paid. Which is why I’m setting an ambitious goal for CHIRP’s 2023 Spring Fundraising campaign. I’m trying to raise $2400 (stretched from $2000, as of March 19), and I put my money where my mouth is (or something along those lines) by matching the first $800 of donations to my fundraising page. I'm also trying to get 50 donors -- I've yet to get that goal, but I'm getting closer!

Just a reminder: CHIRP has only one paid employee, and the vast majority of what we do is accomplished by 150-200 volunteers, and we don’t (because we are legally prohibited from) running ads. This means that we need to find ways to pay for rent for both the studio and where we keep our transmitter, pay to stream on the internet, pay to get the signal from the studio to the transmitter, pay for upkeep and replacement of equipment, there are various licensing fees, and so much more. It adds up. So a donation in any amount can help us keep up our live, original programming. CHIRP plays independent music, underappreciated music (from famous and obscure artists), and more local (i.e., Chicago and the surrounding area) than any other station around. We’re the place where artists get their first airplay, and we’ve become a part of Chicago’s vibrant music culture.

Please consider a donation in any amount to this here fundraising page. Donate $10 or more, and I’ll dedicate a cool cover to you on one of my Saturday show. Donate $30 or more, and I’ll send you a cool musical surprise (and dedicate a cover). Thanks!

CHIRP is radio as it's meant to be: live, local and independent.

We are true radio believers at CHIRP. We love the music that we share with you, and we are committed to our community -- playing local bands every single hour of the day, interviewing Chicago artists for our podcast series, showcasing local nonprofits doing important work, and generally making sure we are shining a light on our city's diverse, vibrant, creative scenes. And we're doing it all without any commercials!

Your generous support makes everything we do possible. We are a truly independent, listener-supported radio station, never beholden to corporate interests.

If you believe in this work, and if you're able, we please make a donation to CHIRP today.

IMPORTANT: 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 to give in support of the person making this post, be sure to type their full name in the "volunteer to credit" section so they can receive credit for your gift).