Station Funding
WDBX was started with funds donated or loaned by local community members and the volunteer efforts of many. Their money and pro bono efforts were augmented by a debt consolidation loan from the First Bank of Carbondale and that bank loan along with our monthly operating expenses are paid for in a variety of ways.
Membership
WDBX has a four-tiered membership structure. Student Membership is $10.00/year
Household Membership $25.00/year
Patron Membership $100.00/year
Supreme Membership $250.00/year
That money goes directly to the bottom line:  utility costs and other operating expenses.  WDBX holds two membership drives annually, each April and September.  (Accounts for approximately 33% of the annual budget.)
Fund Raisers
Throughout the year, WDBX presents a number of fund-raising events. The largest of these is our annual Valentine's Ball in February.  (Accounts for approximately 10% of the annual budget.)
Underwriters
Underwriters are businesses, individuals, or organizations that commit to supporting the station through donations or in-kind trades. Underwriters are acknowledged for their contribution with announcements, which much be written and performed to a rigid standard.  (Accounts for approximately 37% of the annual budget.)
The Community Thrift Store
WDBX is unique among Community Radio Stations in that a portion of our budget is supplied by the WDBX Community Thrift Store. Supported by contributions of clothing, furniture, and household items from the community, the WDBX Community Thrift Store provides income to help cover our mortgage and other expenses and provides a much needed cash flow during the lean summer months.  The WDBX Thrift Store is a real service to the community in supplying economical, good, clean clothes and household items at very low prices.  (Accounts for approximately 10% of the annual budget.)
The Rest
The rest of our income comes from our tower rental, CCHS sports broadcasts, Community Shares of Illinois contributions and merchandise.  (Accounts for approximately 10% of the annual budget.)

Volunteering
Your neighbors -- Artists and farmers, entrepreneurs and educators, elders and youth alike -- have come forward to play the music, tell the stories, engage in the debates and air the concerns that give theirs, your, and our lives meaning and the community its life. Very few come with any radio or broadcast experience, but that's OK because none is required. WDBX will train you in the operation of its equipment and in the public speaking and organizational skills necessary to become a WDBX DJ.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact the Station Manager, Brian R. Powell at 618-529-5900.