Generation PRX

Starting a Youth Radio Program, Help Wanted!

Hey everyone!

I wrote to Johanna about this, but I wanted to get opinions from the rest of the GPRX community as well.

I'm starting a youth radio group at my high school, down in Chicago. We're a part of Chicago Public Schools, one of the most poorly funded school districts in the country. There is absolutely no funds for anything, and all the money we raise from the Parent Network goes straight to buying books, supplies, and replacing outdated technology.

For those who have started youth radio programs or are a part of one, I have a few questions about finding money for these organizations. A lot of the grants that I've looked up require organizations to be 501c(3) groups. The group I want to get on the ground running with is supposed to start in mid-January, as it will be a 3-hour class on Wednesdays (we run on a block schedule).

I want to know:

1. What kinds of organizations are willing to support youth radio groups?
2. What are some other sources to find cash for this rather-expensive venture?
3. What kind of equipment would be suitable for a group on a budget?

Thanks to all!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jones Franzel on December 14, 2007 at 1:54pm: Hey Minnie!

Have you had any luck with this? I'd still look for local resources (Vocalo, local businesses, mentors who can lead/loan equipment). Please keep me posted, and feel free to give a call to talk more!

Jones; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Minhal Baig on December 14, 2007 at 5:12pm: No luck so far. The school will still let me continue the program (though undoubtedly with a different focus -- maybe not producing radio after all). I've looked into Vocalo and Chicago Public Radio. Neither were able to offer any support in terms of getting equipment. I did speak with Sarah Levine from Curie Metro. H.S. She said that she received most of her money from the local student council. I did forward a request to my school's student council & parent network, but it was unanswered.

If there are any specific organizations that would be able to help in a timely manner, it'd be great if you left a few names and contact numbers.

Thank you all.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Matt on December 26, 2007 at 2:23am: Hi there,

My suggestion is to try local colleges or universities. They may be willing to support a youth group, and possibly put them on the air. As an example, my first radio gig (non-paying) was with WVOF, Fairfield University Radio, Fairfield, CT when I was about eight. I guest hosted a show called "For Kids Only" with two of my friends. It was a great experience, and it paved the way for future (non-paying) gigs. Don't be afraid to try different methods either....I actually got my first job by winning a contest. Ask around and call different places.....let them know your situation. That's my advice....let me know what happens!

PS: The local chamber of commerce may be able to help out financially. Try calling them and asking if anyone can assist.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kameisha Jerae on January 14, 2008 at 5:33pm: i really don't know much about funding and such, but i do know that many people are willing to invest in something that they are sure will work... and much more in youth. so go to some local businesses, or even big wigs, and ask them for donations. talk to other radio stations, have fund raisers, talk about it at the parent/teacher meetings. the whole nine. talk to the head of schools and government officials... like mayors or stuff like that. oh yea! and send them tapes and stuff. even if they say no, a friendly thank you card/letter/note with a demo cd will let them know what they're missing. you never know. it might even change their minds...

just a suggestion, and i hope it helps. =]; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by T V on June 14, 2009 at 6:43pm: All the organizations I'm a part of at my high school (Southern California, too) are horrendously underfunded. We've had a lot of trouble looking for the funds to keep the school paper running (we have one computer!).

You might consider having a fundraiser to generate some start-up funds to purchase equipment for your organization or look into advertising.

Since you won't have much of a following at first, it might be hard to convince people to advertise with you, but local businesses are always the way to go. If it's a school station, try looking for businesses with that sort of demographic. Maybe partner with other schools on campus to advertise for their events (for a small fee). The trick would be, making your advert. prices low enough so they'd be reasonable, but high enough so you wouldn't have to run more ads than actual radio story content.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Erin Yanke on February 24, 2010 at 6:57pm: Minhal:
Hopefully you don't need advice still, but...
For your question #1:
Can you find a 501-c3 organization to be a fiscal sponsor? KBOO does that, and that's how we have funded our Youth Collective working in the underfunded public schools in Portland. I've also had luck getting the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) to get write and get grants, and have us as a partner.

For your question #3:
We had good luck getting hand me down equipment for a while, making a request to local radio stations, or the AIR List may be a good place to start. We then got some Olympus DS2 Voice Recorders, and decent mics from a pawn shop, and were able to use the radio station we were based in for the rest of the equipment we needed.

Good luck!; ▶ Reply to This