September kicks off fall, and CHIRP does its Fall Fundraising Drive in September. We’re well into our thirteenth year as a streaming radio station, and in October, we will celebrate six years on the FM dial. For me, it’s been 16 years since I got involved on the ground floor of this amazing organization. 

This summer found CHIRP involved in more festivals and shows, and as this drive gets going, we’re launching CHIRP’s first ever music film fest, with 11 cool movies related to music, including everything from musicals to dramas to documentaries. And we’ve been adding new volunteers, which includes plenty of new DJs, many who have never been on the radio before. Because that’s what CHIRP is all about – giving folks in the community the chance to be a part of a real radio station, something they could never do with a commercial station.

Speaking of commercials, we’re not allowed to run them on CHIRP, because the FCC doesn’t allow low-power FM stations to have paid advertising. That means we must resort to other means to pay for all of our expenses. There’s rent for our studio space and the roof of the building where our transmitter sits. There are costs to route what goes on in the studio to the transmitter, streaming fees, licensing for the music we play, equipment repairs and new equipment, keeping air conditioners running to keep that equipment cool, and so much more.

Donations from folks like you make up a significant portion of our budget every year. This is why I'm asking you, if you can afford to, to make a donation, in any amount, to my fundraising page. I’m trying to raise $2400 (a stretch goal, after reaching $2000 on Saturday) in the drive, and I will match the first $700 in donations with my own donation. I do this because I believe in what we’re doing here.

Your donations help keep us going, and it allows me to keep spinning tunes every Saturday morning from 9-Noon (CST/CDT). It allows us to expose our listeners to sounds you can’t hear anywhere else, especially all the great local musicians that make Chicago the best town for music in the world. 

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

CHIRP is your live, local, independent radio station. 

Here at CHIRP, we're all about human-driven radio: no algorithms, robots, or AI -- just local DJs who are passionate about the music they play and always excited to share their latest discoveries. We're happy to take requests, give you chances to win concert tickets, and hear your feedback. CHIRP is a station that was made for music lovers like you!

Your generous support makes everything we do possible. We are a truly independent, listener-supported station, 100% commercial-free.

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).

And if you're interested in joining CHIRP's major donor program, The Vinyl Circle, with a gift of $500 or above, please use this form.