Since our founding in 1975, Leighton Broadcasting has been giving back to the communities our broadcast signals reach. Our passion is to serve, connect, and celebrate our communities and we do that by going beyond radio spots, live broadcasts, or a float in your local parade.

This past December, we featured a social promotion for nonprofits across our markets. With radio stations spanning across Minnesota and Eastern North Dakota, we wanted to not only give back to one, but all of the communities we broadcast to, providing them with the opportunity to advertise on our stations. The sheer amount of nominations and submissions received, during this promotion, is a testament to how much nonprofits influence their community.  

Nonprofits as a Necessity 

Those businesses and organizations who help make our communities better places to live are often those who need the most support. Nonprofits work with narrow budgets and often, too few hands. Our nonprofit advertising campaign winners embody spirit, put belief into action, and weave our community fabric together. Giving back is our way of showing our gratitude for the work they do.  

This promotion awarded the recipients with 21 radio advertisements per week, for 13 weeks, and the following were our winners:

I'm Not Done Yet (INDY) Foundation

St. Cloud

A different kind of fairytale. This nonprofit was founded in honor of Kyle Strand, who battled colon cancer for four years before succumbing to the disease.

Kyle's wife, Kayla, turned her grief into good with the foundation's inception. INDY’s mission is to provide love, faith, and financial support directly to cancer patients and their families during their time of need so they can focus on what truly matters - love, bravery, and togetherness.

Salvation Army Fergus Falls

Fergus Falls

Doing the Most Good. From helping to pay a bill to clothing and a hot meal, Salvation Army strives to support anyone in need. Did you know the "red kettle" isn't the Salvation Army's only philanthropic effort? The Salvation Army Northern Division has been serving people in need in Minnesota and North Dakota for more than 125 years. The organization provides basic needs assistance, housing, youth services, rehabilitation, disaster relief, counseling, and more. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters 7 Rivers Region

Winona

You can start something fantastic for kids. Their mission is, “To provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.” They serve several hundred children every day in the Minnesota and Wisconsin area. And, further proof that a nonprofit's work is never truly done, 7 Rivers Region currently has 120 Littles seeking Bigs - learn more here.

Humane Society of the Lakes

Detroit Lakes

A no-kill shelter for homeless animals as they await their furever homes. The Humane Society wishes to see all animals cared for with dignity and respect. They service abandoned, stray, or unwanted animals and care for them as they wait for lifelong homes. The Humane Society of the Lakes also takes in animals from all over the U.S. in an effort to combat overpopulation and senseless euthanization at shelters across the nation. Where there's a warm nose, there's love. 

These businesses breathe life into our communities and our business, and it is an honor to support and nurture their growth. What would we do without their tireless support and servant hearts? To our nonprofit partners across all our markets (and everywhere in between), we hope our radio advertising strengthens and fortifies your ties to the community, and we want to thank you for your endless compassion, helping hands, and service to our community development.