Category Archives: Fundraising

Support Permanent Funding for CKMS!

Dear CKMS listener,

The federal government is currently working on the budget for April 1, 2023 to March 30, 2024. The Community Radio Fund of Canada alongside the three main community radio associations (The Association des radiodiffuseurs communautaires du Québec (“ARCQ”), l’Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada (“ARCC”), and the National Campus and Community Radio Association/Association nationale des radios étudiantes et communautaires (“NCRA/ANREC”)) are currently doing a lot of work, demonstrating the impacts of the community radio sector and how regular financial support of the sector will have enormous impacts.  We are at a critical time in the outreach efforts where your participation as a listener is incredibly important.

At this time, we are focusing on two areas of importance that will bring direct funding to CKMS alongside Campus/Community radio stations across Canada:

1) The extension and expansion of the Local Journalism Initiative (we currently have 41 stations with paid journalists on the ground), as the 5-year program is about to enter its final year without a plan after 2024 to renew the program. We are looking for that program to expand to $20 million a year and make it permanent.

2) Establish a 25 million dollar annual Community Broadcasting Fund to be distributed among all stations. This fund would support all licensed broadcasters, with core and stable funding.

Our goal is to now have as many listeners of community radio stations as possible contact their local Member of Parliament (MP) so that they are aware of the sector and this pitch for support so that we have a better chance of having this included in the next federal budget.

Attached is a letter template which we ask that you copy, add your name to, and send to our local MPs in Kitchener-Waterloo.

DOWNLOAD: Letter in support of CKMS-FM

We thank you for your support!

Nat Persaud

President –  Radio Waterloo Inc.

Funding Drive 2022

Donate!

August 2022 – As CKMS enters its 45th year on the FM airwaves, Radio Waterloo is pleased to announce the Friends Of CKMS Funding Drive (August 14th to 27th both inclusive). The drive aims to raise a minimum of $10,270 to support the ongoing operations of our non-profit, volunteer-run, community radio station.

We are counting on your support!

Background

Radio Waterloo evolved from the Broadcasting Club at the University of Waterloo which was operating in the early to mid 1960’s. CRTC-licensed since 1977, CKMS is 45 years on the FM airwaves!

The radio station is entirely run by volunteers and does not receive any ongoing funding from the government or universities. The majority of our operations are funded by the on-air hosts and donations from the community. The station provides a unique service to the KW region by being a voice on radio for the different cultural communities and alternate content not available on commercial radio.

Radio is a resource. With most people having access to a radio, the FM broadcast is a powerful tool to connect listeners with programs. CKMS wants to enable content creators in KW to be heard on FM. We provide training and facilities for anyone to operate their own show and the freedom to choose their own content (within CRTC regulations).

CKMS is a leader in Canadian radio. We were one of the quickest stations to adapt to the lock down, enabling shows to get back on air from home studios streaming to our transmitter via the internet. And due to our cooperative funding model, our broadcast maximizes content by not depending on advertising. We also broadcast online and can do video streaming from our studio.

Why should you give?

By giving to CKMS, you ensure a solid platform on which our community can stand. You put radio in the hands of people, so that the innovative ideas and rich experiences of Kitchener-Waterloo can be expressed. You enable the alternative to a platform that is dominated by the same old songs.

Be sure to mention your favorite show when you pledge!

Friends of CKMS Funding Drive 2021

DONATE!

 

May 5, 2021 – CKMS recently attained a significant milestone in Canadian community radio history: 40 years on the FM airwaves. Unfortunately, our world was hit by the devastating effect of Covid-19 during the year 2020. But we were resilient! We survived the worst part. CKMS 102.7FM (Radio Waterloo) is pleased to announce the Friends Of CKMS Fundraiser Drive (May 7-May 20 Extended to 24 May!, 2021 both inclusive). We are counting on your support! Starting on May 7th, 2021, the fundraiser aims to raise a minimum of $1,000 to support the ongoing operations of our non-profit, volunteer-run, community radio station. And we need your support. Programmer participation to drive this funding initiative is very important! Many local businesses have generously contributed prizes for the event to support the fundraising and help make the fundraising drive a successful event. This year, we want to make it better!

Background

Radio Waterloo evolved from the Broadcasting Club /Broadcasting Association at the University of Waterloo which was operating in the early to mid 1960’s. CRTC-licensed since 1977, CKMS recently passed 40 years on the FM airwaves. The radio station is entirely run by volunteers and does not receive any ongoing funding from the government or universities. The majority of our operations are funded by grants, programming fees paid by the on-air hosts and donations from the community. The station provides a unique service to the KW region by being a voice for the different cultural communities and alternate content not available on commercial radio.

 

Friends of CKMS Funding Drive 2020

The Annual “Friends of CKMS” Funding Drive is on from October 25 to November 7. Please support your favorite show on CKMS as they ask for your support!

DONATE!

Radio Waterloo IS:

  • community run, community funded, community minded
  • non-profit, non-boring, non-traditional
  • committed to training community members in the techniques of broadcasting.
  • committed to serving the needs of community groups.
  • committed to showing the true diversity of Waterloo Region

Radio Waterloo DOES:

  • introduce our listeners to new ideas, perspectives, and music
  • broadcast shows in many languages, serving many cultural communities
  • emphasize exposure of issues and activities that are important to the local community
  • support local arts talent
  • play music that you won’t hear on commercial radio
  • broadcasts news, analysis and discussion that you won’t hear on commercial radio

Program Leaderboard

CKMS’s Annual Friends of SoundFM Funding Drive – Sept 22nd-Oct 6th

friendsofsoundfm_social_donate2016_fb

From September 22nd to October 6th CKMS will be hosting our annual friends of SoundFM funding drive, and today I’m asking you to support Waterloo Region’s community and campus radio station as we head into our 40th year.

If you have the means please visit soundfm.ca/donate to find out how you can financially support the station, and become a member of the CKMS radio community.

Thank you for continuing to tune in to and supporting 100.3 SoundFM!

#RadioWaterloo
#KWAwesome

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Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop! A SoundFM Pledge Drive

SoundFM is reaching out to our community of listeners to continue our legacy of accessible community media. So, we have launched the “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop!” pledge drive.

How You Can Help:

Canada Helps

If you have an interest in broadcasting, music, sales, office management, local news, computer programming or just want to bake us some cookies, your knowledge and talents are welcomed! Our programmers coop is always seeking new folks to sustain our existence.

If you are involved with a business or social organization that wants to inform this community of your services, don’t hesitate to contact us about our advertising options. Call 519-886-2567 (CKMS).

You can also help by way of financial donation Tax receipts are available for amounts of $10 or more.

Cheques can be made payable to:
SoundFM
220 King St North
Unit G
Waterloo Ontario
N2J 2Y7

You can also help us with your generous donation online!
Visit www.soundfm.ca or www.canadahelps.org and type in SOUNDFM!

Thank you for advocating for Community Media.

Our Mission:
SoundFM is committed to broadcasting innovative programming that provides an alternative to other local media outlets in the surrounding Waterloo region.