I just turned 60 the other day, and thus, for a quarter of my life, I’ve been doing my Saturday morning show at CHIRP Radio. I couldn’t do it without your support. That's why I'm asking for donations during CHIRP's Fall Fundraising campaign to keep our non-commercial, independent radio station going. We are, for the second time in 2025, trying to raise $48,000 for CHIRP. And I, for the second time in 2025, am trying to raise $2000 and get 50 donors by September 25. As per usual, I will match the first $700 in donations made to this very fundraising page.

We’re getting closer to unveiling the upgrades to our website and our app that we got rolling with our Fall drive last year. Meanwhile, new expenses crop up, including expenses related to our digital library, which is basically the nerve center of our music programming. The current software we use has been having problems, so we are looking at ways to improve it and/or replace it.  And it ain’t going to be for free. 

Beyond that, we have our usual expenses for rent, utilities, licensing, transmission and so on. Prices go up with that, so we need to raise funds for that.

When you donate to keep things going, you help perpetuate community. CHIRP Radio brings a large (250+) group of volunteers together with a common cause: to run a radio station dedicated to independent arts and culture, with a particular emphasis on artists in Chicago and the surrounding area. We’re living in unprecedented times where some folks in high places are trying to pull people apart. CHIRP is trying to do the opposite. We’re a vital independent voice, and this country needs as many of them as it can get.

So please help me meet my goal of $2000. As with other recent drives, I'm going to match the first $700 in donations to my fundraising page. If you donate $10 or more to my page, I'll dedicate a cool cover to you on my show. Donate $35 or more, and I'll send you a cool musical surprise (and dedicate the cover).

MAKE A FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY DONATION TO CHIRP!

It's hard to believe that it's been a decade and a half since we launched the station! Some things have changed a lot, but what's stayed the same is our commitment to bringing you live, local, commercial-free music programming lovingly curated by our DJs every single day, plus dozens of events that showcase our city's diverse music, arts and cultural scenes.

This year we're celebrating our history while looking to the future, including rebuilding our website and mobile app into a sleek integrated web app that we know you'll love.

We are a truly independent, listener-supported station. Your generosity has helped us thrive over the past fifteen years, and will keep us going for decades to come.

IF YOU BELIEVE CHIRP CONTRIBUTES MEANINGFULLY TO THE MUSICAL AND CULTURAL LIFE OF CHICAGO AND WANT TO MAKE SURE THE STATION STAYS STRONG, PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT 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 chirpradio.org/donatenow 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.