An Open Call For Fresh Fundraising Ideas

There's a lot to like about most programming on public radio. Essential as it is, fundraising is usually not on that list.

Maybe you can help us change that. We bet you have some new ideas about public radio pledge drives (other than just getting rid of them altogether, which is not one of the options!).

THE CHALLENGE

Take a crack at re-imagining the style and sound of the public radio fundraising pitch. You've heard stuff like this a million times:

"Because This [Excellent Radio Show] is an hour-long program, they are able to provide in-depth conversations and interviews with great thinkers of our times. Please support this [Excellent Radio Show] and WXYZ now with your financial support. Call [number] or join online at [Web site]. Thank you."

You can do better. Use your creativity and passion for public radio to create a radio spot up to :90 seconds long that will inspire listeners to support public radio. You can choose to write a script and/or record the spot with your own voice. Or you can you just weigh in with your advice about what you love, hate, and wish could be different about public radio's fundraising appeals.

We will share the best spots with public radio stations around the country, and NPR is also interested in what you come up with.

NOTE: This is not a contest and will not be judged, rated or included in the ongoing Public Radio Talent Quest. If your spot gets picked up and helps stations raise money you will earn an exalted place in the hearts of all public radio fundraisers, but no cash awards, sorry to say.

Consider why you listen, how you value what you hear on your favorite stations and programs, and why your public radio station is important in your community. Use what you come up with to convince others to support public radio.

To record and upload your own fundraising spot, check out Evoca -- or for other options, see our tips here.

Once you have your spot recorded and uploaded, just sign in to the Talent Quest site and post the link to your MP3 as a comment on this message board.

Don't feel like recording? If you're writing a fundraising spot script that could be read at a local station or by a national host (think Scott Simon or Terry Gross), simply log in to the Talent Quest and post it here.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, August 24th at 5pm ET. We'll post some of the scripts for your comments, and link to the audio entries from publicradioquest.com. If you want examples of how public radio fundraises now, visit PRX.

Your challenge and your prize is making public radio fundraising more interesting, more effective, and more fun. We can't wait to see and hear what you come up with.

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