Save KPLU Campaign Has $500K Challenge Grant

(Seattle-Tacoma, WA)  Having currently raised over $2.5 million, the SAVE KPLU campaign’s latest goal is to reach $3.5 million by April 15—which will be accomplished if a $500K challenge grant is met by that date.  The grant is made possible by a pool of donations from generous listeners.  (The last sizable challenge grant for $200K was completed in just six days at the beginning of March.)  Donations at KPLU.ORG.

Friends of 88-5 FM launched its fundraising campaign on Monday, January 11, 2016.  The campaign needs to raise $7 million, which matches the amount of the current offer stated in the letter of intent outlining PLU’s sale of KPLU to the UW.  (One million dollars in in-kind underwriting for PLU over 10 years is also part of the deal.)

A purchase of the license by the Friends of 88.5 FM means that the station will become independent with oversight from a community-based governing board. KPLU’s award-winning, independent news department will remain intact, allowing for greater, in-depth local news coverage in the Puget Sound region. In addition, NPR programming will continue, as will the award-winning jazz and blues, including weekly live performances, and the station’s support of jazz education through local high schools and colleges.

The community group 'Friends of 88-5 FM' is now a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, so all donations made to the Save KPLU campaign are tax-deductible and eligible for employer matching programs.

Upcoming Save KPLU Fundraising Events

Save KPLU is planning several community meetings throughout the Puget Sound area to encourage conversations around the campaign and the future of 88.5; and a number of benefit events highlighting KPLU’s programming.  Coming up:

·         March 31, 7-8:30 p.m.: Community meeting at the Northwest African American Museum in Seattle

·         April 3, 3-7 p.m.: Save KPLU benefit at Shuga Jazz Bistro in Renton

·         April 5: Save KPLU fundraiser at Mioposto Pizzeria locations in Seattle

·         April 7-9: Save KPLU fundraisers at Bake’s Place in Bellevue

·         April 13, 7-8:30 p.m.: Community meeting at The Heritage Room in Olympia

Information on all Save KPLU fundraising events is available at the KPLU Calendar.