Kansas Public Radio to Accept Spotlight Program Applications

The station opens its 2027 application window for local non-profit organizations seeking on-air support.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Philanthropy

Kansas Public Radio to Accept Spotlight Program Applications

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Kansas Public Radio will begin accepting applications for its 2027 Community Spotlight program on November 1, 2026. The initiative selects 12 non-profit groups to receive promotional assistance throughout the upcoming year.

Why it matters

The program aims to bolster local non-profit efforts in sectors including arts, education, and health. By providing free media exposure, the station supports organizations serving the Kansas Public Radio listening area.

Selected non-profits receive 200 free on-air announcements valued at $4,000 per organization. In total, the station will select 12 participants for the 2027 program.

The players

Kansas Public Radio

A public radio station that serves a wide listening area across Kansas.

KPR Advisory Board

A leadership group that collaborates with staff to oversee organizational decisions and programming initiatives.

The details

Local non-profits can submit forms through an online portal throughout November to compete for the sponsorship. Once chosen, organizations work with the station to create three distinct script options for their on-air announcements.

Timeline

  1. November 1-30, 2026: Application window is open for the 2027 program.

  2. Second week of December 2026: Applicants receive notification of their status.

  3. 2027: Selected organizations are featured on-air and online.

Market Landscape

This initiative follows the pattern set by the 2024 launch of the Kansas Public Radio Community Spotlight program. It positions the station as a primary local philanthropic partner by directly subsidizing the marketing reach of regional non-profits.

Local non-profit leaders can apply through the station's online portal during November to gain significant on-air exposure. Those interested in the program can contact the station for inquiries at 785.864.2468.

The takeaway

Eligible organizations should prepare their messaging early, as the application window is strictly limited to the month of November. Organizations that have been selected in the recent past remain ineligible for two years following their previous participation.

Further reading

Learn more about local giving initiatives on the Kansas Philanthropy section.

More information

Access the Community Spotlight application form to submit your organization's materials.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Kansas Public Radio.

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Do you believe local media outlets should provide free advertising to support community non-profit organizations?