KUAF Meets Fundraising and Membership Goals in Five and a Half Days

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas public radio station, KUAF 91.3 FM, surpassed its fall fundraising goal in only five and a half days. The drive took place Oct. 17-22. In addition to raising more than $140,500 against the $140,000 goal, the station also secured 300 new contributors, surpassing its goal of 250.

“The volunteers who answered the telephone lines during this time said they were busier than ever,” said Terry Bumgardner, director of individual giving for KUAF. “Every hour, we shared news of our nation’s economic situation and the upcoming election, and we communicated to our listeners that now, more than ever, they need public radio. We view the work of KUAF as a service to the community, and we were thrilled to see the outpouring of support.”

The average pledge for contributors to KUAF is $95, and the station currently has more than 3,000 members. The station receives nearly 70 percent of its annual funding from membership and underwriting.

In addition to the station’s fall fundraising success, KUAF is currently in the midst of a $1.5 million fundraising campaign that has already raised $900,000 for its new building to be built across from Blair Library, the Fayetteville public library. A groundbreaking ceremony will be planned for early 2009. Co-chairs of the capital campaign volunteer committee are Ann Henry, Frank Sharp and Dan Ferritor. The honorary chair is Jim Blair.

“This is already an exciting time for KUAF because of our building campaign,” said Rick Stockdell, the station’s general manager, “but to see our listeners give of their resources during a time that is financially challenging clearly communicates the impact we have on the community. Because of these gifts, we are able to provide the programming our listeners have come to expect.”