89.1 The Spirit

Finances


Ever wonder what it takes to run a radio station?  It doens't just happen.  And since The Spirit is not a commercial station, it doesn't (and can't) sell advertising.  It is only on the air because of generous supporters like you.  Your support through prayers and gifts make the mission of The Spirit possible.   Donations and grants to the station go towards the expenses incurred in operating the stations.

The following is a list of average monthly basic expenses.

Personnel costs, including benefits(1 full-time,6 part-time paid; 2 full-time and 1 part-time not taking salary)
 $10,565
Studio Lease (Hiawatha, includes utilities) $1120
Tower Lease (Hiawatha, includes utilities) $625
Translator Leases $3524
Music Royalties & Licensing Fees $600
Imaging and Audio Library Fees $580
Wally/Total Axxess $300
Streaming $300
Telecommunications and Internet $785
Office Expenses/Utilities/Property Insurance $2585
Postage
 $700
Equipment and Building Maintenance $500
Music Advisory & Street Team $200
Contract Services: Engingeering and IT $300
Acquistion Loan $2000
   
Total Monthly Expenditures $24,683
Value of Donated Personel Costs $15,000
Total Monthly Expenses $39,683

Share Partners (donations from individuals) and Vision Partners (underwriting grants from businesses) are the primary sources of income for 89.1 The Spirit.  Roughly, Share Partners make up about 70% of the budget, and Vision Partners are about 30%.

The monthly income needs to meet expenses just to keep the station operating.  Our goal is to have it exceed expenses so that we can work on things such as bringing concerts to the area, expanding our coverage through translators, upgrading our aging equipment, and giving back to the community by reaching out to help other organizations in their activities.

With all of this, the annual budget is about $290,000 just to keep things running at a bare bones level.  Any improvements requires extra income. An unexpected expense such as equipment breaking down cuts into that and requires either extra income or cutting something from the budget (maybe a staff member?).

Listeners can choose to sponsor specific items from the budget.  Several items are listed on our Sponsorship page.
Use this Pledge Form to make your faith promise.