After $100K donation, KRFC inches toward new radio tower

Next spring — if not sooner — Northern Colorado residents can expect to hear a lot more of KRFC 88.9 FM Radio Fort Collins.

The Fort Collins-based community radio station recently received a $100,000 donation from Jack and Ginger Graham, owners of Old Town's Ginger and Baker pie bakery and cafe. 

As its largest single donation to date, the funds will be directed to the nonprofit station's Power the Tower campaign — which has been raising funds for a new radio tower to increase the station's broadcasting power.

The Grahams' donation brings the campaign's funds to $288,000, just $20,000 short of its goal, according to the station's executive director, Jen Parker. 

Once built, the tower will be able to boost the station's signal to 63% more of Northern Colorado, according to a news release from KRFC 88.9 FM Radio Fort Collins.

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The station is one year into the 18-month tower process, Parker said. The tower is expected to be completed and functioning by this spring, if not earlier, she added.

Throughout the Power the Tower campaign, KRFC 88.9 FM Radio Fort Collins has received support and donations from big names in Fort Collins, including New Belgium CEO and co-founder Kim Jordan, New Belgium co-founder Jeff Lebesch and his partner Zia Zybko. 

Earlier this year, KRFC 88.9 FM Radio Fort Collins also released a Power the Tower Pale Ale with the help of New Belgium. It also recently took over the booking of bands for CSU's Stadium Sessions concert series, which will take place before each home football game this coming fall.

The station is home to more than 140 volunteers and a staff of five full- and part-time employees, Parker said. 

After a station rebranding, refocusing on partnerships and rollout of a new logo, Parker said KRFC 88.9 FM Radio Fort Collins looked to really "hone in on its purpose."

"And we've really made it our mission to serve this community," Parker said. 

To check out KRFC 88.9 FM Radio Fort Collins' programming or stream the station's offerings live, visit krfcfm.org.