Applying for the LPFM was the easy part. The fundraising and gathering community support I knew was going to be a tough nut. After several potential supporters, not necessarily financial supporters but people who were better connected than myself, bailed on the idea, my "Hail, Mary" plan of a $1000 fundraiser during April, coupled with a promoted campaign on the station's Facebook page, was going to be the test on whether to go forward.
Prior to my disability, I worked in radio in Des Moines for a number of years. I thought I had a good rapport with the people in the offices where I worked. I was trying for a token donation, even just $20, from these former employers just for the endorsement value, hoping it would help tip a few of the folks here into donating. It was to no avail as the former employers all said no.
The point I really want to emphasize here is that lone wolf applicants without money, like Dan and myself, need to have a team of interested, local people to join in the effort. If that doesn't happen, it's time to say "if the community doesn't want to support it, the community doesn't get the station." No need in bashing our heads against the wall.
Russ