KUAF Completes Successful Spring Fundraising Campaign

Photo Submitted

KUAF News Director Kyle Kellams and reporter Christina Thomas.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas public radio station, KUAF 91.3 FM, surpassed its spring fundraising goal earlier this month by raising $164,536 in public support from 1,142 pledges. The fundraising drive, which had an initial goal of $160,000, is just one way the station raises 85 percent of its annual $1 million operating budget.

“We had a fantastic finish. It was unbelievable the way it ended,” said Rick Stockdell, KUAF station manager. “In the last two days, people really came through to help us reach our goal. This was a great example of how loyal and supportive our listeners truly are.”

Eighty volunteers were on hand for the fundraising drive, which took place April 1-10. Thirteen local restaurants made in-kind contributions of food for the volunteers throughout the 10-day period.

Walter Manger, an emeritus faculty member from the university, volunteered for the first time this spring, although he has been a donor to KUAF for years. “I had the best time,” he said. “It deepened my desire to help KUAF in the future. My donations to them have been the best money I’ve ever spent.” Manger, who has gone from being a listener to a donor to a volunteer, sponsors Elvis’s birthday Jan. 8 each year, as well as Feb. 3 in honor of Buddy Holly. He encourages other listeners and donors to become involved in the future. “It’s true what they say. This is our station and our programming, so it makes sense to support it.”

Last fall, KUAF had its most successful fundraiser to date and set records by raising $168,000. The station currently has more than 3,300 annual donors and receives nearly 70 percent of its annual funding from membership and underwriting. It reaches a weekly audience of 60,000 listeners and features popular shows such as Ozarks at Large and Morning Edition.