The River is half funded by commercials, but, because it is more than a radio station with community outreach programs, and other community-focused promotions and events, it takes more to operate the ministry than Commercials cover. Donations allow for the River to engage more with our listeners and the community directly. Read more in the about section above.
About Sharathon
How does the Sharathon Partnership work?
With a monthly investment of $30 or more, or single gift of $365 given electronically, a bonus will be activated.
The bonus can be multiplied as well! If someone gives $720 (or $60 a month) it would help 2 people, and if someone gave $1,000 it helps 3!
December 2022: The River is partnering with the Salvation Army in Central Ohio - The bonus will provide Christmas breakfast, dinner and a game to play together for a local family in need.
Matches and Giveaways.
The River frequently does various givewawys during a Sharathon. The computer system tracks matching gifts and contest entries, so all you have to do is submit a donation for it to be entered. If a caller asks, just let them know that it will count.
No donation is required to enter a drawing. If someone wants to enter for a prize without making a donation just click the "message staff" button and enter their donation the non-gift entry form there.
Transfering a phone call
If you need to transfer a phone call:
Click Trans
Dial:
5713 for Dave
5801 for Suzannah
Press the "off" key to send the call over.
About the Ministry
We are a Christ-Centered organization that serves and provides hope to the people in our community.
Our purpose is pretty straightforward.
God has called the River to a mission of helping people experience the real Jesus so they will grow closer to Him. The only way we can do it is through the generous support of businesses and listeners like you. When you give, you may not realize what your entire donation is involved in. Here are some examples of ministry you’re contributing to:
Music that changes lives.
Your support reaches far beyond your regular circle of influence. Every day, people from all walks of life tune in to hear hope, because they usually aren’t finding it anywhere else. Your investment provides uplifting and encouraging music and on-air personalities who the share the message of Jesus on the radio and online.
More than 30% of our audience don't have a church home, and 40% more who only attend occasionally, The River may be the only place they will receive that encouragement. For the other 30% who have a church home, 104.9 the River is a great way to keep them focused on Christ.
A voice in the community.
Connections lead to great conversations about life and hope. The past 12 months:
- Hundreds of thousands of people connected with The River on social media.
- Tens of Thousands of people had direct face-to-face engagement with someone on our team.
- Thousands of connected with or been prayed for by a River Chaplain.
As a final note to you…
Your support of this radio station is what makes these extra things possible. We are often asked why we ask for donations when we play commercials. It's because the River is not just a radio station. It’s also a non-profit ministry that is doing dozens of things in the name of Jesus behind the scenes.
It’s all because of God… and people like you. Thanks for journeying with us. If you have any more questions about the ministry, feel free to reach out to us.
Serving with you,
// Bill Montgomery
President/CEO
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to contact us below.
Ministry and Programming Questions
Why do you play commercials?
Commercials are a vital part of the ministry of the River and cover approximately half of the operating budget. Because of the commercial revenue, The River can use your donations more strategically to impact our community for Jesus Christ.
How do you determine what commercials you play?
The River is committed to playing commercials that uphold the River Promise and will be safe for kids to hear. The River also does its best to ensure that all companies advertised are reputable. Commercials played, however, are strictly a business arrangement and should not be taken as an endorsement of all of the products and values of the company advertised.
How do you select your music?
The River works hard to make sure that every song played is what the majority of our listeners want to hear, and relies heavily on the Music Team of listeners just like you. The large majority of listeners only have time to listen for 10-15 minutes at a time so the most popular songs are repeated often enough that you will hear one of your favorite songs every time you turn on the radio, but not so often you hear the same song every time you turn it on. If you want to have a say in the music we play, you can join our music team and take surveys twice a month.
Why don't you talk more about the ministry you do?
Between the music and commercials played as well as the other programming offered, spending more time advertising the ways God is using the River outside of the radio ministry is not possible. If you are interested in learning more about our outreach ministry contact us, or read the about section above.
How can I get more involved?
You can get involved by joining our music team, signing up for the River Insider, joining our volunteer team, following us on Social Media, or giving Financially.
Online Giving Questions
Is giving online safe?
All of the River giving pages are secure. Once your transaction is processed, all donation entry and data storage adheres to strict PCI security..
How long does a monthly gift go for?
All monthly gifts are until you make a change. Once you have set up a monthly donation to the River, cancelling it is as easy as a phone call, or submitting a request on the givetotheriver.com webpage.
Can I just mail a check?
If you would rather mail a check, or use your bank's Bill-Pay system you are welcome to do that.
Make checks payable to The River.
Mail to:
River Radio Ministries
Attn: Gift Processing
881 E. Johnstown Rd.
Gahanna, OH 43230