Ocracoke Community Radio - Grant Administration

Organizing Committee – Robert Raborn,

Mandi Cochran, Bill Cole and Jim Borland.

Issue:  
In July of 2007, a small group of Ocracoke residents, understanding the need and value of a local radio station researched the steps involved in acquiring an FCC license. A rare opportunity was available – the FCC was holding open a filing window from October 12, 2007 to October 19, 2007 which was set aside for receiving applications from non-profits that were seeking non-commercial community focused radio licenses. Only 250 permits would be issued. An excellent history can be found at http://www.wovv.org/about.asp

Role of Ocracoke Foundation (OFI):
The newly forming Ocracoke Radio Group approached OFI to: 1) request operating under their non-profit umbrella until such time as they had formed their own non-profit and 2) to provide grant administration. OFI unanimously approved offering fiscal sponsorship for the newly forming Ocracoke Community Radio Project (OCRP) and the application was submitted within the designated filing window.

Key Stages of Development:
November 2008
Grant Received from Outer Banks Community Foundation $9,750
Grant Admin Required: Yes/Reimbursement
Grant Focus: Strengthening Community
Funding Use: Start-up operational expenses for radio station

On February 29, 2008 on behalf of OCRP, OFI was granted an FM Broadcast Station Permit.

September 21, 2009
Grant Received from U.S. Department of Commerce:
National Telecommunications & Information Administration
Public Telecommunications Facilities Program $67,098.00
Grant Admin Required: Yes – Reimbursement Terms and Reporting for 3 years years
Grant Focus: Non-Commercial Radio Station Development in Rural Communities Communities
Funding Use: Construction of radio station and tower

December 2011 Ocracoke Community Radio receives nonprofit designation
March 2012 Ocracoke Foundation transferred FCC license to the new! Ocracoke Community Radio
March 2013 Ocracoke Foundation transfers ownership of all assets to Ocracoke Community Radio

Detailed information can be found at www.WOVV.org 

Project Goals

• to provide an educational opportunity for local students
• to promote the diversity of island arts and music
• to educate the traveling public about Ocracoke’s resources and history
• to promote tourism activities and events
• to facilitate civic engagement
• to provide a forum for local communication
• to provide up to date emergency management information

Postcard Fundraiser!