Dear Colleague,

As you plan for fall fundraising, take advantage of every powerful resource to help you retain donors who began their support in response to the rescission of federal funding, and deepen donor connections to sustain your essential service.

Research: What Drove the 2025 Surge—and What Keeps Donors Giving

Explore national and station-level donor research from City Square Associates, supported by Greater Public and CDP. Public media added more than a million new donors, and the FUND research translates their motivations into practical strategies for fundraising, marketing, and engagement in 2026 and beyond.

Sustainer Upgrade Campaign Samples

Learn how to unlock growth from your existing sustainers using two proven campaign templates courtesy of WNYC/New York Public Radio: a time-sensitive milestone challenge and a high-trust direct upgrade ask. 

New On-Air Scripts

Our collection of on-air fundraising scripts has been updated with new fall 2026 on-air copy for news, AAA, classical, and jazz stations. These scripts include language that speaks to the elimination of federal funds, and make the case for continued support of your essential services. 

Remember: You can enter complex prompts into ScriptPro AI, your AI-powered on-air copywriting assistant, to create new - or alter existing - scripts.

Direct Mail and Email

Complete your direct mail and email campaigns to highlight the essential impact of your programming in your community.

We are with you every step of the way. Your Greater Public membership includes a multitude of fundraising resources and access to our roster of advisors. Please contact us if you need additional support or have questions as you plan your campaigns.

Essential Elements of a Pitch Break

Explore our new Quick Takes video series on the essential elements of a pitch break. Advisors Jay Clayton and Michael Krall walk you through what’s needed to convert listeners into donors. Shared in seven parts over the next four weeks, this series covers do’s and don’ts and practical examples to prepare you for the Fall on-air drive season.

Don't forget we created the Optimal On-Air Fundraising: Pitching, Producing, and Air resource to help you implement proven approaches during your next drive.

Happy fundraising,

Jay Clayton
Individual Giving Advisor
Greater Public