CHIRP is a Chicago-based independent radio station providing eclectic programming with a spotlight on local artists. We're entirely listener-supported, meaning DJs have the freedom to play adventurous stuff and we don’t bug you with any commercials. But with great freedom from hearing 8 ads for laundry detergent in a single hour comes great responsibility: we rely on you––our listeners––to provide the majority of our operating budget.

I moved to Chicago in July 2023 and started volunteering with CHIRP shortly afterwards. When people ask what I like best about my new home, I always emphasize that Chicagoans are proud to live here; they love this city and want you to love it too. (Maybe the extreme cold forges a certain kind of camaraderie.) CHIRP embodies everything I love most about Chicago: the joy of sharing well-loved institutions and unwavering support for up-and-coming ones, a reverence for history mixed with excitement for what's next, and an all-encompassing love for an array of influences with singular pride in the stuff that's made here. It is an invaluable resource for learning about music history, concerts, and local events, run by a community of kind, open-minded, and tenacious volunteers. 

As part of this Fall's fundraising drive, I want to raise $300 for CHIRP Radio. I will personally match up to $100 in donations made in my name. If you’ve read this far, thank you for taking the time to learn more about the station. And if listener-supported radio has ever introduced you to favorite artist, given you a sense of what's happening in your community, or just plain made you feel a little less alone in the world––or hell, even if you’ve ever loved an artist from the Midwest––please consider contributing to CHIRP. Every dollar goes a long way to helping us champion the little guy! 

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.