On Mission, Together

It is not uncommon for a nonprofit to be 100% community funded. In fact, that’s usually how it works. Uniquely, last year was the first year in WTVP’s history we could claim to be 100% community funded. With historical federal funding gone for the first time ever, Central Illinois rallied around the mission and proved that public media is worth saving. This year, we’ve asked Central Illinois to be a part of building a sustainable future for WTVP, one that assumes that federal funding may never come back—and if it doesn’t, that’s okay because we are a community and we’ve got this!  

To everyone who has joined the STRONGER TOGETHER campaign, thank you! Every dollar, every new membership, is helping us build the road to sustainability. As of the print deadline for this program guide, we are 19% of the way to our goal of raising $600,000 in new and additional gifts—what a generous community!  

And speaking of generosity, I want to share with you a story about one member’s belief in WTVP and a particular act of generosity made in support of that belief. This (anonymous) champion of WTVP has committed a $200,000 match for first time Klystron members ($1,000 and up) and Klystron members who increase their giving from last year. This member has a real heart for helping WTVP build a sustainable future and knows that one act of generosity can inspire other acts of generosity. We hope it does just that!  

If you’ve considered leaning in to support WTVP at a higher level, please take advantage of this generous matching gift opportunity. 

But we know this year isn’t just about big gifts; it’s about everyone doing what they can in support of the mission. As one of our volunteers recently said, “If we aren’t the people that tell the story of our past, present and future, who is going to do it?...If we all work together…if we each put in a little piece…we can have this station.”   

I love that quote. Public media’s future in Central Illinois depends on mission-minded investments at every level.  Reaching this year’s STRONGER TOGETHER goal of $600,000 will require each of us to take that next step—whatever that might be—to keep quality content available for all in Central Illinois, connecting us to one another, inspiring us to be our best selves, challenging us to learn something new and growing us…stronger together.   

With gratitude,  

Jenn