WCMU Public Media is proud to serve as a nonprofit, community-supported organization. The vast majority of our funding comes directly from people like you—through memberships, philanthropic gifts, and support from local businesses and organizations.
Because of this community-first model, WCMU can provide trusted journalism and storytelling that’s grounded in facts and free from outside influence. Your support ensures that our reporting remains independent, accountable only to the communities we serve across Central and Northern Michigan.
But WCMU is more than news. We bring you music, culture, education, and storytelling that informs, inspires, and connects people across our region. From in-depth reporting to programs that spark curiosity and shared experiences, your support helps make it all possible.
Public media is here for everyone. With your help, we can continue to provide free, accessible content that strengthens and connects our communities.
Explore the many ways you can support WCMU Public Media:
Membership
Individual giving is the foundation of WCMU Public Media. Thousands of members across Michigan power everything we do, making it possible to deliver the programs and services you rely on every day.
A gift of any size makes you a member. We recommend a sustaining gift of $8/month or $96 annually, which unlocks some of our most popular benefits—including access to WCMU Passport and NPR+, offering extended, on-demand content from PBS and NPR.
Join today by making a gift online, or explore additional ways to give.
Donate to become a member | Renew your membership
Sustaining Membership
Becoming a Sustaining Member is one of the most impactful ways to support WCMU Public Media.
With an automatic monthly gift, you provide steady, reliable funding that allows us to plan ahead, invest in programming, and reduce on-air fundraising interruptions. Your contribution is processed conveniently each month from your bank account or card—and you can adjust or cancel at any time.
Sustainers are the backbone of WCMU. This consistent support helps us focus more resources on the content you care about, while reducing administrative costs so more of your gift goes directly into programming.
- Become a Sustaining Member
- Update your Sustaining Membership
- Learn more about Sustaining giving
Member Benefits
Your support makes a real difference—and we’re grateful for it. As a WCMU member, you’ll enjoy benefits designed to bring you closer to the content and community you support:
- Access to WCMU Passport and NPR+
- Invitations to exclusive events and screenings
- Member newsletters and behind-the-scenes updates
- Special offers and partner discounts
- Additional perks for sustaining members
- Tax-deductible contributions
The Giving Circle
For those who choose to make a deeper investment in WCMU Public Media, The Giving Circle recognizes annual contributions of $1,200 or more.
Giving Circle members play a vital role in sustaining and growing public media in our region. In appreciation, members receive enhanced benefits, special recognition, and opportunities to engage more directly with WCMU’s work and impact.
Planned Giving
Create a lasting impact with a planned gift to WCMU Public Media.
By including WCMU in your estate plans, you help ensure that future generations will continue to have access to trusted journalism, educational programming, and meaningful storytelling. Planned giving options can offer financial and tax benefits while supporting the mission you value.
Matching Gifts
You may be able to double—or even triple—your impact through your employer’s matching gift program.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, WCMU Public Media qualifies for many workplace giving programs. Check with your employer to see if your donation can go even further.
Business Sponsorship
Local businesses play an important role in supporting WCMU Public Media. Through sponsorship and underwriting, organizations can align their brand with trusted public media while reaching audiences across Michigan.
Whether as part of a marketing strategy or a commitment to community support, business sponsorship helps sustain the programming our audiences value every day.