Iowa Public Radio (IPR) launched its first comprehensive campaign, A Resounding Future, aiming to raise $6.5 million to grow reporting capacity, build resiliency, develop public media professionals and invest in new technology, according to a news release.
“We are in a critical moment in our history,” Myrna Johnson, IPR’s executive director, said in the release. “We just surpassed 100 years of broadcasting, transitioned to an independent public radio network and are building our vision for the future amidst massive shifts in media. This presents a unique opportunity to strengthen our commitment to Iowa by establishing ourselves as a more nimble, responsive community resource, free and accessible to all.”
After just a few months, Iowa Public Radio had already reached 85% of its campaign goal, with major donors, foundations and board members pledging over $5.5 million to date. The campaign is structured so community members may contribute to one or more target areas with a one-time gift, multi-year pledge or a future-planned gift from their estate, IPR said in the release.
“We quietly launched last October and were amazed by the generosity of our community,” Ms. Johnson said. “So many people came forward early and enthusiastically with gifts for the campaign while still maintaining their annual contributions. I couldn’t be more grateful and energized by the level of support we’ve received.”
The fundraising campaign is led by co-chairs Nora Everett and Robert Riley of Des Moines and Julie Monson of Iowa City, and is supported by 16 campaign volunteers from around the state.
For more information about the campaign, visit ipr.org/future.
