SUPPORT 89.5 WNIJ & 90.5 Classical WNIU
"Enriching, inspiring and informing adults in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin through programs and services that share ideas, encourage thought, give pleasure and create community"
Basic Membership
Station members ensure a bright future for listener-supported public radio. Your membership is a personal and direct way of keeping quality programming and community service strong at WNIJ and WNIU. Northern Public Radio is proud to provide you with the programming you value, and we are able to do so with your financial support. Thank you...you make what we do possible!
Join as a new member, renew or upgrade your existing membership:
Sustaining Membership
Sustaining members enjoy uninterrupted membership status while eliminating the task of renewing each year. Your Sustaining Membership is not only convenient for you, it also has the added benefits of reducing our impact on the environment and lowering administrative expenses. More of your contribution will be invested in the quality programming you've come to expect. It's easy to become a Sustainer. Here's how:
- Decide how much you want to contribute to Northern Public Radio each month. Because we try to cover the cost of credit card processing, please consider $10 or greater per month as the minimum amount. For example: $10, $11, $12, $20, $50, or $89 per month.
- Complete the pledge form call in during our next Membership Campaign, or call us anytime at 815.753.9000. You may select your preferred debit or major credit card.
- Sit back, relax and enjoy public radio. Once you've signed up, you never have to worry about renewing your membership. Each month your contribution will automatically be charged, with a record of each transaction appearing on your bank/credit card statement. Your membership automatically renews each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can I become a sustaining member?It takes no more than one month from the time we receive your authorization and information for your first payment to be charged to your debit/credit card. You will receive written notification from us confirming the amount of your monthly contribution and the start date.
Do I have to pay on a monthly basis?You may elect to pay on a quarterly or semi-annual basis as well. Just note your preference when contacting us.
How can I increase my scheduled contributions?Northern Public Radio offers you the opportunity to upgrade your giving level each year when you receive your Membership Anniversary Card. To amend your gifts any other time, please contact the Membership Coordinator at 815-753-0067
Producers Club
Members of our esteemed Producers Club generously support the station with annual gifts of $1,000 and more. As the Producers Club continues to take shape and grow, the station is able to better forecast for future programs and projects — all aimed to best serve our listeners and their communities. To learn more about how you can become a Club member please contact our Development Director.
Campaign for a Sound Future
Recognizing Northern Public Radio in your estate planning is a simple way to ensure future generations have access to the public radio service you value. Estate gifts range from bequests and life insurance to IRAs and trusts. To build, create, and leave your legacy with Northern Public Radio, please contact our Development Director.
The Sound Future Society honors those public radio listeners who have made a special legacy gifts through their estates. These members of vision provide a sustainable and alternate source of funds to support the great programming at WNIJ and WNIU for generations to come. As a member of the Sound Future Society you will be recognized alongside other thoughtful donors who have chosen to build, create, and leave their legacy with Northern Public Radio.
Already chosen to recognize Northern Public Radio in your estate plans? Tell us your story by contacting our Development Director.
Unique Support
Shop locally
Your support of the community businesses who partner with 89.5 WNIJ and Classical WNIU is one way to show appreciation for their commitment to public radio. Click here to see a listing of all the recent businesses and organizations who have underwritten programming on Northern Public Radio.
Matching Gifts
Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions made by their employees.
If your company participates, request a matching gift form, and send it completed and signed with your gift. We will do the rest. The impact of your gift to Northern Public Radio may be doubled or possibly tripled! Some companies match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses as well.
Vehicle Donation Program
Is your old heap ready to go? It's been good to you, so why not let it do one more good deed to benefit Northern Public Radio? Click here to get started.
Become a Volunteer or an In-Kind Food/Supply Donor
Volunteers not only provide time and talent to 89.5 WNIJ and Classical WNIU but volunteering also offers you an opportunity to see how public radio works first-hand. In-kind food and supply donors have a unique opportunity to showcase their business and products during station events and membership campaigns. Please contact our Communications & Events Manager to learn more about these opportunities.
Record a Testimonial
Passionate, appreciative listeners are our best spokespeople! If you would like to share a personal story about how public radio affects or enriches your daily life, we'd like to hear it. We showcase relevant listener testimonials on our airwaves, in station communications and event displays -- to name just a few outlets. Please contact our Communications & Events Manager to state your interest in writing or recording your own comments about WNIJ or WNIU.
Policy on Release of Donor Information
Donor records include information that is obtained from individuals themselves or through public records such as published papers and news articles. The following confidentiality policies govern the use of donor information maintained by Northern Public Radio (NPR). Information will be released as specified below:
For donors and the general public:
- Honor rolls that list donor names, but not gift amounts, may be made public in various NPR publications. Requests from donors for anonymity will be honored for donor reports and honor rolls.
- The names and addresses of donors (excluding gift amounts) to memorial funds are released to family members of honorees for acknowledgment purposes.
- Biographical and selected financial data may be made available to campaign committee members, as deemed appropriate by administrators.
For Northern Public Radio use:
- Newsletter and informational mailings
- Statistical or attitudinal surveys
- Acknowledgment letter offering thanks for gifts
- Holiday cards
- Job announcements or placement services
- Honor rolls
- Donor recognition displays or publications
- Solicitations; statistical reports
- Social or educational events
- Receptions
- Ground-breakings and similar activities
- Honors and awards
Confidential information which is not available for public inspection includes the following:
- Portions of records that disclose a donor's or prospective donor's personal, financial, estate planning or gift planning matters.
- Records received from a donor or prospective donor regarding such donor's prospective gift or pledge.
- Records containing information about a donor or a prospective donor in regard to the appropriateness of the solicitation and dollar amount of the gift or pledge.
- Portions of records that identify a prospective donor and that provide information on the appropriateness of the solicitation, the form of the gift or dollar amount requested by the solicitor, and the name of the solicitor.
- Portions of records disclosing the identity of a donor or prospective donor, including the specific form of gift or pledge that could identify a donor or prospective donor, directly or indirectly, when such donor has requested anonymity in connection with the gift or pledge. This does not apply to a gift or pledge from a publicly held business corporation. This policy shall not be interpreted as violating any federal or state laws governing the dissemination of information.