Plant a seed and watch it grow
Become an SPR Sustaining Member today

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.

Yes, I want to become a sustaining member today.