HBCU RPP receives $750K to support HBCU radio stations

Field Archivist Chinyere Neal and Bryce Roe, Director of Audio Preservation at NEDCC, inventorying audio assets during a preservation visit to WEAA, one of the 14 HBCU radio stations that received a grant through the HBCU RPP.

The HBCU Radio Preservation Project has received $750,000 from the Ford Foundation, which has been used over the past year to support HBCU radio stations.

The Ford Foundation funds enabled the HBCU RPP to provide unrestricted budget infusions to 14 HBCU radio stations through a non-competitive formula-based grant process. The money helps fill gaps in funding and contributes to the stations’ long-term sustainability.

Grant funds have been used to stabilize operations; support essential staffing; sustain and expand programming; maintain and upgrade critical broadcast and digital infrastructure; cover carrier fees; address funding shortfalls; and support community engagement and long-term sustainability initiatives. The grant will also be used to provide travel stipends to radio station personnel to attend the 2026 HBCU RPP Symposium in Baltimore, Maryland in November.

Radio stations that received grants include WNSB (Norfolk State University); KTSU (Texas Southern University); WCLK (Clark Atlanta University); WURC (Rust College); WESM (University of Maryland Eastern Shore); WPRL (Alcorn State University); WJSU (Jackson State University); WEAA (Morgan State University); WNCU (North Carolina Central University); KJLU (Lincoln University); WRVS (Elizabeth City State University); WSSB (South Carolina State University); WJAB (Alabama A&M University) and WVAS Alabama State University).

“We are grateful to the Ford Foundation for recognizing the critical needs and importance of supporting HBCU radio stations,” said HBCU RPP Director Jocelyn Robinson. “While the funds have been used to meet present day needs, they are also helping secure longevity and support the continued relevance of these stations to their communities.”