FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — National Public Radio affiliate, KUAF 91.3 FM, will launch its spring on-air fundraiser Saturday, April 5. In addition to an eight-day goal of $140,000, the station hopes to bring in 500 new members. The spring fundraiser is one of two annual on-air campaigns.

“After the shortest fundraiser in the station’s history last fall, it takes more days of fundraising to reach those listeners who have never given to the station before,” said Rick Stockdell, KUAF general manager. “Together with the $140,000 raised last fall, these funds will provide almost one quarter of KUAF’s $1.2 million annual budget.”  

Volunteers, drawn from a pool of approximately 75 people, will be on hand during the spring fundraiser to answer phones and take payments and pledges. Dozens of area restaurants have contributed food and refreshments to feed volunteers throughout the eight-day event.

KUAF’s 3,500 members and local underwriters provide nearly 70 percent of KUAF’s total operating budget. In order to keep this percentage of funding stable, the station continually seeks new members. “In order to keep a broad and independent base of financial support, KUAF must have longer fundraisers to reach those listeners who have yet to become members,” said Leigh Wood, KUAF membership director. Wood hopes to entice listeners into becoming members through challenge grants. “Challenge grants allow renewing members to match new member pledges dollar for dollar,” said Wood. “It’s a great way to make your first gift to the station count for twice as much as you give.”

KUAF, with a weekly audience of over 50,000, broadcasts throughout northwest Arkansas, and into southern Missouri, eastern Oklahoma and the River Valley.

For more information about the April 5 through April 12 fundraiser, or to volunteer, go to http://www.kuaf.com, or call (479) 575-7259.