First funding drive for CJLO
March 5 to 11 marks CJLO 1690 AM’s first annual funding drive.
“Funding drives are the second-largest source of income for campus/community radio stations,” says Stephanie Saretsky, station manager at CJLO since June 2011. “After three years of hard work, CJLO is finally at the fundraising level of other campus or community stations across the country. I'm very proud of the progress we've made.”
In late 2011, the undergraduate student body at Concordia voted in favour of a fee levy for the station, which has helped the CJLO team look into the possibility of eventually expanding its airwaves.
“The fee levy is crucial to CJLO because it gives us a solid base to commence surveying the downtown area so that we can apply to the CRTC for a low-power FM signal,” says Saretsky. This includes the hiring of a consultant, the development and implementation of a survey, and the application for the license.
While the fee levy was invaluable to the CJLO team, it has also provided the resources to organize their first funding drive. This financial support will help the station in holding the fund drive. Fund drives require a budget up front to set up phone lines and print pledge forms for example, but the CJLO team is keeping costs down by making donations possible online.
“We have a fairly small goal for this year's funding drive compared to other stations since it is our first one,” says Saretsky. “This money will go towards sustainable growth for CJLO so that we'll be able to keep our airwaves relatively ad-free, as well as expand our staff and volunteer base.
“Anyone can donate to the funding drive, whether as a longtime listener or a business who would like to show their support for underground music,” she continues. “We are focusing on our community members, but students are welcome to donate if they wish. We have some pretty cool prizes for those who donate.”
The station has partnered with several major sponsors to provide listeners and donors with prizes, including a $500 gift card atthe Concordia Campus Retail Store, “Beer for a Year” from McAuslan Brewery, and two $500 gift cards from Erke Canada.
“Every donation will get a prize,” says Saretsky. “With a donation as small as $5, the donor will receive a download code for an exclusive CJLO music compilation that I'm really excited about. It is going to feature up-and-coming Montreal artists covering songs by more established Montreal artists. It really illustrates CJLO's mandate to promote local music.”
To be entered into the grand prize draw for the $500 prizes, donors must pledge $50 minimum. With that donation, they will also receive the CJLO music compilation, as well as a T-shirt, an entry to win a music prize pack, and a Friends Card, which gives the cardholder discounts at over 12 business around Montreal.
CJLO staff members and volunteers will begin collecting pre-pledges by mid-February. Listeners can donate during the funding drive week by phone, mail, through the station’s website, or through a volunteer at the station.
Any questions about the funding drive or pledge form requests can be directed to Station Manager Stephanie Saretsky (manager@cjlo.com) or Funding and Promotions Coordinator Kevin Gascoigne (promo@cjlo.com).
Third-year journalism student Lesley De Marinis is an intern with Concordia’s University Communications Services.
Related link:
• CJLO