Two weeks ago Steve Robinson, g.m. of WFMT-FM in Chicago, told the Sun-Times that the fundraising environment for his commercially licensed classical station was the worst he’d seen in his career. Fortunately for the station, it looks as if it may not be so terrible after all.
WFMT ended its membership drive Monday over its goal of $500,000 , setting a record by raising $513,221 during the 11-day drive. Its previous record for a winter drive was $440,000. One quarter of donors were new members, according to the station.
The station did take steps to adjust for the challenging state of the economy, however. It added three days to the drive and reduced its basic membership rate by $5, to $35. WFMT notes in a press release that the first few days of the drive were indeed slower than expected.
Station staffers: How is your station faring? Listeners: Are you changing your giving habits due to the economy? Let us know in the comments.
Earlier post: “It’s the Worst I’ve Ever Seen It”
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yay WFMT!
We had a “Chocolate Challenge” winter fund drive recently (connected with a West Virginian chocolate-maker; a pledge of $120 meant that a 1 lb box of Holl’s Chocolates could be sent anywhere in the country by Valentines Day. There were slight “discounts” for multiple boxes of chocolates).
Fearing the economy, the goal had been lowered slightly. Also, we had a pre-drive for a few days, with drop-in spots and announcer live reads directing people to web or calling to pledge early. every $10,000 raised meant a day from the 9-day drive would be dropped (and people were also entered to win chocolates delivered every month for a year).
We dropped two days from the drive and went over the goal (and even scraped past the original goal!) Classical music had quite a strong showing throughout the drive.
Now, I’m a bit concerned about when we come back at the time of the coordinated drive at the end of March. It feels like so soon. But the theme will be “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime.” We’ll be emphasizing smaller gifts, thinking of giving “a nickel a day,” “a dime a day,” etc., and how much that a gift buys (percentage of a syndicated program, number of CDs on the shelf, equipment purchased, etc).
I’m excited about hearing from new members, students, and others who want to be part of the station and be contributing, but can’t set aside too much now/yet. (Especially having graduated not sooo long ago and starting to be able to make decisions about setting aside a bit for causes I value).
I’m far from being one of the people planning/coordinating all the above-mentioned fund drive stuff…I just find it interesting, and I’m starting to think of what to yak about when the time comes to open the mic and spread the good word. (and I don’t *think* all these behind-the-scenes details are secret or anything…hmmm)
Best,
Mona
I am really glad to read this. I know of someone who will be beginning a tour of duty there. He is a very knowledgeable person in Classical Music and he is extremely warm when pulling an air shift.
So, I wish this person and the station all of the best of success.