#GivingTuesdayNow May 5, 2020

#GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. Even in times of economic crisis, we each have a deep reserve of generosity, which we can deploy in myriad ways to make a difference–your time, your kindness, your skills, your voice are all things you can give in addition to charitable donations.

At Portland Radio Project (PRP), our work is to give a voice – a media platform – to our highly creative local musicians, our crucially needed nonprofits, and our small business neighbors who are struggling to keep their businesses alive during the pandemic. Will you help us stay on the air to continue our mission of lifting up local voices? In other words, will you help us help them?

With media ownership highly concentrated, as it is today, fewer local voices are heard and programming often is created from cities far away. PRP was explicitly created to return the microphone to local artists, nonprofits and small businesses.

Beginning in 2013 with a tiny band of passionate volunteers, our organization has grown into a vibrant LPFM (low-power FM) radio station with thousands of streaming sessions, an expanding community of monthly donors, dozens of volunteers and diverse programming – including a podcast platform. Over 640 local artists are currently featured in regular rotation; we have profiled the important public service work of more than 150 local nonprofits; and we have mentored dozens of media-interested Portland high school and college students.

Please watch Jenny Conlee-Drizos, musician (The Decemberists), on why PRP matters to local artists, and consider including our unique community station in your charitable giving this Tuesday.

At a time when we are all experiencing the pandemic, generosity is what brings people of all races, faiths, and political views together across the globe. Generosity gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others and is a fundamental value anyone can act on.

Donate to PRP.