It’s crunch time at Streetsblog Chicago.
As they did last year, The Chicago Community Trust, a charitable foundation that was one of the early funders of SBC, has very generously offered us a challenge grant. If we can raise $50K in donations and sponsorships by the end of May, the Trust will provide the last $25K needed to keep the site running into 2017 and beyond.
Dozens and dozens of loyal readers have come out of the woodwork to show that they value Streetsblog’s hard-hitting sustainable transportation and livable streets reporting by contributing to the cause. We’ve also got several ad sponsorship deals in the works this week that should push us well over the halfway mark to reaching our goal. Corporate donations and smaller foundation grants are also likely to come through in the near future.
However, we now have 23 days left to reach to $50K mark. As with our winter 2015 reboot efforts, we’re going to need some larger donations from individuals from readers in order to make it to the finish line.
To this end, we’d like to make a special offer to individuals who are considering making a major investment in SBC’s transportation journalism and advocacy. Donate $1,000 to Streetsblog Chicago before June 1 and I will perform a half-hour tribute concert to *any* pop, rock, or R & B artist you choose on acoustic guitar at your home or block party this spring or summer.
If your favorite artist happens to be Prince, a man who liked to bike, I’ll be happy to perform a set of his tunes like “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Raspberry Beret,” “When Doves Cry,” and “Purple Rain” at your abode in exchange for a mere $750 contribution to the website. I'd also be glad to do a David Bowie tribute at that bargain rate.
As always, anyone who donates $100 or more gets a free copy of my book “Bars Across America.” Donate $200 or more and we’ll also throw in a copy of the anthology “On Bicycles,” to which I contributed a chapter about Chicago’s West Town Bikes, while supplies last.
As always, thanks for making it possible for Steven Vance and myself to do the important work of promoting better conditions for walking, biking, and transit in the region. When it comes to supporting Streetsblog Chicago, “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
