The Need 91.1 The Avenue is completely supported by listeners and sponsors. We sell no advertising, We receive no government funds. We need your support every day of the year to stay on the air, not just during our fund drives.
Your donations help us cover recurring expenses such as rent, tower lease, broadcast lines, music licensing, studio and tower maintenance, website and servers, streaming software and licensing, production equipment maintenance and staffing.
The Music Listeners tell us that The Avenue is a valued part of their life, many stating that we are the ONLY radio station they use. We love bringing you the music you love and helping you to discover new music.
The Community Mission Supporting independent radio helps to create a better, more inclusive and engaged community. Your dollars allow non-profits of all kinds in our community to spread their message for free. Your donation doesn’t just help a radio station - it is a gift to the larger community.
Your donation to our non-profit station is tax deductible.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GIVING TO THE AVENUE:
Why do you need to ask for money?
Fundraising is a constant effort for an independent nonprofit radio station. We rely solely on individual donations and corporate sponsorships to cover the costs of being on the air. Commercial radio stations sell advertising to cover their costs and Public Broadcasting stations supplement listener donations with government funds. These streams of revenue are not available to 91.1 The Avenue, which is why we always need to ask for donations. But like you, we think the payoffs are worth it – like a deeper play list, local programming, and the ability to provide free air time to our fellow local nonprofits.
How do you spend the money?
The short answer is – very carefully! We are a lean operation dedicated to the music and the mission. We keep costs low. Our board of directors are unpaid volunteers. We have only a few employees, a busy and dedicated group, and like our listeners they donate to the station too!
Still, there are many costs to getting an independent radio station on the air. For example, just leasing the towers and the utilities to power them cost about $70,000 a year. Delivering The Avenue to your radio also requires production costs, maintenance, repairs, software, licenses, insurance, streaming software and licensing, website maintenance and updates, broadcast lines, music licensing, and more. Your gift goes directly to keeping the music playing.
Can I pay by check?
Yes. If you prefer to make your donation with a check you may do so by mailing it to:
91.1 The Avenue PO Box 2577 Appleton, WI 54912-2577
Can I make monthly payments?
Yes. You can choose to make either a one-time donation or to make regular monthly donations to sustain The Avenue on the online donation form. You may also specify a monthly sustaining gift when you donate by phone at 1-877-508-9191. If you need any assistance with your donation you may contact Scott at stritt@avenueradio.com
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, 91.1 The Avenue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization so your donation is tax-deductible. In some cases, the value of the thank you gifts you receive can affect the tax-deductible amount (please consult your tax advisor). The acknowledgment email or letter you receive can be used for tax purposes and includes more detail.
I think my employer offers matching funds - how do I handle that process?
Matching gifts are an easy way to maximize your support. We encourage you to take a copy of your donation acknowledgment letter to your HR department and request a match for your contribution. Thank you for taking the extra step to make your gift go even further!
Don’t you get government funding?
No. We are not a National public Radio station and receive no government funds. The Avenue is an independent radio station that is not part of any network or group. We are sustained only by the generosity of the community.
Will The Avenue give out my information?
91.1 The Avenue is committed to securing your trust and assuring your security during the donation process. As a result, we will not give, sell, or trade any of your information with anyone ever!