Close the Gap FAQ What is the “Close the Gap” figure and what does it mean? The gap is the combination of how much money remains to fulfill our Share 2017 goal when all financial pledges have been fulfilled and how much money remains to pay off the start-up cost of WBCL’s new, Urban Gospel and Praise online station. The financial gap as of December 29, 2017 was just under $149,000. What was the Share 2017 goal? $1,820,000 What amount of Share 2017 pledges remain to be fulfilled? $125,000 (As of December 29, 2017.) What is the goal to pay off the start-up costs of the online Urban Gospel and Praise music station? $80,000 What amount remains to meet the goal to cover the start-up of the Urban Gospel and Praise online station? $24,000 (As of December 29, 2017.) Why an online Urban Gospel and Praise music station? There are about 40,000 people within the African American community in Fort Wayne and Allen county. They have been underserved by Christian media for way too long. We look forward to applying the WBCL mission and personality style in a culturally specific manner so that we may encourage our brothers and sisters who are already walking in the faith and to hopefully add to the family of God through our witness of relevant community information, encouragement and music that ministers to the soul. This is good stewardship. An online station has less overall expenses than an over-the-air signal, can be started sooner as there are no FCC regulations to meet and the station will be easily accessible via smartphone, smart speaker, desk top computer and/or tablet. Finally, we strongly believe that it’s the right thing to do at the right time. It is time to move forward with our African American community of faith. Where did you get the money to start the process of an Urban Gospel and Praise online station? We used reserves set aside for this project but now we need to pay those reserves back first to complete the start-up costs and second so that we may be in a position in the future to be ready for visionary ministry opportunities and emergency situations. Why are you asking all listeners to contribute toward the Urban Gospel and Praise online station? With all our frequencies, even the original 90.3fm in Fort Wayne, the first funds came from visionary individuals and businesses who wanted to be there for future listeners. WBCL listeners realize that others paid it forward so that we can be here for you 24/7 with God’s redemptive love and truth. When I donate, where does the money go? If you are fulfilling a Share 2017 pledge, then that donation will go toward meeting the Share 2017 goal and that is hugely important. That funding helps pay the bills and other ongoing operating budget costs. Donations designated toward the Urban Gospel and Praise online station will go to that effort. Any other undesignated year-end gifts will go toward the Urban Gospel and Praise online station. What if I’ve already fulfilled my Share 2017 pledge, can I give a little extra to help with the Urban Gospel and Praise online station? Yes! Any extra amount that you’d be willing to give will be greatly appreciated. Just remember to designate your extra gift toward that project. I’ve prayed about it and I’m ready to partner with WBCL. What do I do next? Thanks for praying and for partnering with us! Just click here.