FRIENDS OF LIVE WIRE,
We're going to be real with you: it's tough times out here. We know you feel it too. That's exactly why Live Wire matters right now. When the world feels heavy, we create space to laugh, discover new voices, and remember we're not alone.
THE PERFECT STORM
You've heard the news—public radio is in crisis. Government arts funding? Slashed. Station support? Drying up. Ticket sales and sponsorships? Down across our entire industry.
Since January, we've lost $150,000 in funding.
BUT WE ARE LIVE WIRE
For two decades, we've been scrappy as hell—producing a weekly national broadcast and dozens of live events every year on a shoestring budget. We've survived because we refuse to quit. We've cut every cost possible and dipped heavily into reserves. We've had difficult conversations and made hard choices.
WHY WE'RE ASKING
Maybe Live Wire introduced you to a musician who moved you when you needed it most. Maybe you found your next favorite book. Maybe you felt a little less alone—like part of a friend group showing up in your earbuds each week. It’s that joy and connection that we are fighting to protect.
If Live Wire has been there for you, we're asking you to be there for us now.
THE FULLY CHARGED CAMPAIGN
We need to raise $150,000 by January 31, 2026, directly from you—the people who've told us this show matters.
When you become a sustaining member or make a one-time gift, you're doing more than filling a funding gap. You're claiming ownership. You're saying: I'm one of the people keeping Live Wire Fully Charged.
THE PLAN
Phase 1 (Now – Jan 31, 2026): Raise $150K to cover production costs, venue rentals, staff pay, and artist honorariums. This buys us time to transform our model.
Phase 2 (2026): Double our sustaining members from 300 to 600 at $15-25/month = $75K of reliable annual funding.
Phase 3 (2027-2028): Build reserves equal to 50% of our annual budget for real stability—no matter what storms may come our way.
HOW WE GET THERE
300 new members at $15-50/month = 90K/year
50 one-time donations $1,000/year = $50K
50 current members increase monthly = $10K/year
And good news—all donations made between now and November 20th will be matched up to $10,000!
If you donate now, you can double your impact.
