In 2017, KEXP received its largest-ever philanthropic gift, and first bequest. The donor directing the bequest requested to remain anonymous in her giving during her lifetime, and KEXP will continue to honor that request, identifying her only by her first name, Suzanne. A lover of diverse types of music including soul, new wave, and punk, Suzanne believed that “Music is one of the best ways to unite people globally.”
Suzanne’s gift, totaling just under $10 million, will be used to implement a range of music and media education programs, accelerate KEXP’s digital content strategy, and create long-term financial stability aimed at allowing for more experimentation with radio and online programming, creating lasting impact for listeners for years to come.
This gift will be placed in a long-term reserve and a board-designated endowment. This fund will act as a “rainy day” and may be used strategically to invest in major initiatives, as directed by the Board.
Education programs aimed at inspiring younger audiences to engage their curiosity around music
Services and programming for emerging artists
Media creation experiences for aspiring DJs and music journalists
Outreach activities aimed at deepening KEXP’s connections to local communities
“It was deeply moving to simply watch people’s expressions.
A lot of smiling, head shaking, even some tears.”
– Executive Director Tom Mara to The New York Times
"One Love. One Heart. Let's get together and feel all right. Thank you, Suzanne. ❤️" – Matt
"This person deserves a massive round of applause for being a hero to music." – Anonymous
"Chills! Big ups to Suzanne, for a donation that will keep the music alive for years." – Kathleen
"Thank you, Suzanne. Your gift lives forever in the heart of all that is KEXP."
– Soundog
"Suzanne - thank you so much. What a gift not only to the station but Seattle and the music community."
– Kim
"WOW - Suzanne, I hope your family sees this and knows how deeply you have touched both myself, and the entire KEXP community. I now have a new goal, to become a member of #ReverbSociety ❤️"
– Anonymous
