Valley Public Radio needs funds to open Clovis facility

Valley Public Radio/FM 89 has been awarded a $200,000 challenge grant from the James Irvine Foundation for the construction of its new broadcast center, currently under construction at Temperance and Alluvial avenues. To meet the challenge, the station must raise an equivalent $200,000 before the end of the year.

“This is the largest challenge grant in the history of Valley Public Radio,” said Mariam Stepanian, president and general manager. “We anticipate listeners and members will respond to the urgency of this challenge and help us raise $200,000 to cross the finish line before we move in, which is scheduled for early 2016.”

Due to unexpected changes in federal and state regulations, the station has been required to raise an additional $1 million for the construction of the new facility.

The James Irvine Foundation provides grants to nonprofits throughout the state, focusing on art, California democracy and youth. It has partnered with VPR to create a local news reporting presence for the San Joaquin Valley region. Reports from VPR’s award-winning news team have been picked up by other media sources, including NPR, BBC and The California Report. The new broadcast facility will expand community engagement through local news reporting, cultural arts performances and student internships.

Tax deductible gifts to Valley Public Radio/FM 89 may be made online at www.kvpr.org or by calling the station at (559) 275-0764.

This story was originally published November 24, 2015 at 4:03 PM with the headline "Valley Public Radio needs funds to open Clovis facility."