The Public Radio Fund was founded to strengthen local media ownership, expand public radio services, and support the diversity of voices heard on our airwaves. Public radio organizations and prospective licensees may borrow affordable short-term capital from the fund for asset-based projects, such as buying radio stations.

The Public Radio Fund is the only lending source in the country dedicated to financing public radio’s future. Your investments in the fund will:

Strengthen local media ownership
Provide capital for asset-based projects to increase local media ownership and promote sustainable growth in the public radio industry.

Expand public radio service to new and existing listeners
Finance stations that bring public radio service to new communities or provide innovative program formats to reach specific audience groups, such as ethnically diverse and younger listeners.

Support independent, diverse voices on our airwaves
Secure valuable stations for broadcasting public radio’s independent voices and diverse opinions.

The Public Radio Fund has initial investment commitments of nearly $10 million from Calvert Social Investment Foundation, Ford Foundation, Nonprofit Finance Fund, NPR, Inc., and individual investors. The Public Radio Fund is currently seeking additional investments to capitalize a projected $15-million loan pool. Loans from the Public Radio Fund range from $100,000 to $3 million. Investors in the Fund receive 0-4 percent.