CANTON — North Country Public Radio will launch its Fall Fundraiser on Monday, Oct. 9.

Their goal is to raise $350,000, to be used to help pay for the reasons people use NCPR – the station’s award-winning regional news and features coverage, its growing number of local and regional podcasts, newsletters, to hear NPR news and national programs, and more.

“Support from listeners is our biggest and most important funding source,” said NCPR Development Director Lizette Haenel. “So, it’s truly vital that everyone who uses the station gives as generously as possible, whether they rely on us on the radio, their phone, or their computer or smart speaker.”

Unlike most public stations, NCPR does not change the flow of programming during their fundraiser, using only the usual breaks that are already built into shows in order to remind listeners to donate.

“The programs are the reason people tune in, so it just makes sense that we interrupt them as little as possible,” explained NCPR Station Manager Mitch Teich. “But for this model to work, we need as many people to participate as possible.”

NCPR airs news and information from NPR and other public radio sources, as well as their own weekday morning show, Northern Light.

In the last 18 months, NCPR has worked to expand the scope of its work, bringing on a reporter to cover the challenges of poverty in the region, and another to focus on community engagement.

The station has also launched a new podcast version of its popular “Howl” story slam series, a collaboration with the Adirondack Center for Writing, and has expanded its other digital offerings as well, including making more of its content and programming available and known on social media platforms where more people in the North Country choose to find their news in recent years.

“There’s never been a more important time to support public radio,” said Teich. “We are working to connect the North Country in so many ways – whether it’s through our unrivaled local news coverage, our unique music shows, live events, the newsletters people depend on, or even just providing timely weather forecasts and information.”

People who donate before the on-air fundraiser begins are entered to win a special Early Bird Prize, a $1,000 Visa gift card. Contributors can also choose from a variety of NCPR thank-you gifts, including ball caps, t-shirts, coffee mugs, and more. The station appreciates donations of any amount, as well as sustaining gifts, which are paid monthly. Donations are always welcome and can be made online at ncpr.org/give, or by calling the station, at 1-877-388-6277.