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You may have heard KPBX and KSFC's invitation to
“become a sustaining member.” It’s a nice sentiment,
but what does it mean and why is it so important to the longevity of public
radio?
“Sustaining members make an ongoing monthly commitment to public radio
through electronic funds transfer (EFT),” says Business Manager Linda
Stowe. “They help us maintain a strong and reliable cash flow. They make
it easier for the membership department to focus on adding new members
during the on-air drives, and let the station staff focus on what we’re
here to do – make great radio.” Sustaining members also save the stations
money. In fiscal year 2006-07, SPR spent more than $7,500 on postage for
renewal notices and monthly pledge statements. We also spent more than
$6,500 printing forms, envelopes, and return envelopes. Sustaining members
don’t need notices or postage because it’s all done automatically and
electronically.
EFT also puts your entire donation into your public radio. Credit card
payments require merchant fees – an expense that adds up. Financial Assistant
Linda Yates was surprised at how much goes toward fees. “If we could make
more monthly credit card users become sustaining members, the savings
to the station would be amazing,” she says.
Donors control how much is given to SPR. An electronic funds transfer
can be as little as $3.75 per month – the amount of a basic membership
– or as much as you choose. You decide.
Sustaining members receive every benefit of membership: discounted tickets
for all SPR events, the bimonthly program guide, and an annual subscription
to Newsweek Magaine. Your support still counts towards the early renewal
challenges, and you are automatically entered into ALL of the drawings
for both the fall and spring membership campaigns. It's our way of saying
thank you for your commitment to public broadcasting.
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