Jeanette Reynolds, Director of Development
KRTU's twice-a-year on-air "membership drives" are a phone-a-thon style fundraiser to raise money necessary for the station to operate. The on-air membership drives are the most efficient and effective way for KRTU to reach listeners.
As a non-profit organization, the largest portion of KRTU's funding comes from donations made by its listeners - over 60% of our total annual income is sourced from individual gifts!
Donations from listeners are also important because local, independent funding keeps KRTU free from commercial interests, as well as mission-driven and music-focused: KRTU can continue to succeed and grow as a station that...
- presents quality programming presented by local volunteer hosts,
- has a vibrant presence in the community, and
- provides educational opportunities for Trinity University and San Antonio area students.
What happens during a membership drive?
Other than complete chaos (just kidding! ...kinda) - the entire KRTU community comes together in an effort to communicate the message of KRTU's mission and why it's worth keeping around! This includes KRTU staff, volunteers from the community, local businesses, students, on-air volunteer program hosts, and of course, KRTU Members.
Planning and preparation for the upcoming membership drive is always happening, and we start to remind existing KRTU Members about the opportunity to renew his or her membership about three months in advance of a membership drive.
During the one week membership drive, staff, students and hosts go on-air and ask listeners to call or go online to make a donation and become a KRTU Member. Trinity University students who take classes taught by KRTU staff, like Audio Production and Radio Announcing, and volunteers from organizations like Kohl's and the San Antonio Blues Society help answer the phones in our studio turned phone bank, and help callers make a donation. Staff monitor incoming online gifts and track them.
Local businesses make donations in the form of delicious food and beverage to keep the entire team happy and functional... because grocery shopping is a hard thing to get done during membership drive time. And some individuals make donations on behalf of their businesses, like our Rhythm Section members.
What does it mean to be a KRTU Member?
Listeners who make a minimum annual contribution to KRTU receive KRTU Member Benefits (click here to read more). KRTU Membership starts at just $60 a year (only $5 a month), or only $40 for seniors and $25 for students. KRTU Members receive a membership card and are invited to special members-only events throughout the year.
Where does the money go?
KRTU is a pretty darn lean organization, even by non-profit standards! We aim to raise at least $200,000 from KRTU Membership donations each year, but make very good use of additional funding from any grants, sponsorship and underwriting we receive - all absolutely positively critical to our ability to operate. A donation to KRTU helps cover vital expenses like:
- Annual fees for KRTU’s web stream and mobile app services.
- Music royalties to songwriters for broadcast and streaming.
- Equipment upkeep and replacement.
- Event production and audio recording costs.
- Six student interns each semester.
- Help cover terrestrial broadcast signal expenses like tower rent.
Ready to become a KRTU Member?
It's easy to donate online by clicking the button below and selecting "Join or Renew Your Membership". You'll receive your membership card in the mail and start enjoying benefits like access to over 40 events throughout the year!
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