Membership FAQ's

What is the recommended contribution for basic membership?
WPT basic membership is $35. A $20 membership is available to students, seniors and others with limited incomes. Discounted memberships must be requested and noted.

My employer participates in a matching-gift program, but requires verification of my contribution. Where can I get the forms and where do I send them?
The human resources department at your company should have the forms. Complete the form and send it with your gift (if by check) to Wisconsin Public Television Matching Gifts, 821 University Ave. Madison, WI 53706.Click here for a list of companies.

Does Wisconsin Public Television fund raising support any other charities?
No, WPT does not raise funds for other nonprofit entities.

Is my WPT membership tax deductible?
To the extent allowed by law, yes. You must subtract the fair market value of any thank-you gifts you receive. A listing of fair market values will be included in your pledge acknowledgment letter. Airwaves is considered a membership benefit and does not affect tax deductibility.

How do I arrange for a tour of the TV studio for a group or organization?
Call Member Services at (800) 422-9707 or email collins@wpt.org. Generally, groups tour are on Friday mornings and are limited to about 20 people, but other arrangements can be made.

What is Wisconsin Public Television's address?
Wisconsin Public Television, 821 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706

Can I sponsor a membership for someone else?
Yes, you can purchase a Gift Membership for someone else. You pay for the membership (at any level) and the other person receives the benefits. Call (800) 422-9707 and a Member Services Representative will assist you.

Can I make a gift in memory of another individual?
Yes. Send your contribution to Ann Collins at Wisconsin Public Television, 821 University Ave. Madison, WI 53706. Provide the name and address of the individual. Acknowledgements will be sent to the donor and the person named who inspired the gift (if appropriate).

Is my membership transferable to the PBS station in another city?
No. Each station is independent and maintains its own membership base.

Does WPT exchange names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses from its membership list?
Wisconsin Public Television exchanges mailing lists with other non-profit organizations for promotional purposes. We do this not only for the fundraising opportunities the exchanges provide, but also because we believe you will genuinely be interested in the services being offered by these organizations. This is very helpful to Wisconsin Public Television, but if you do not wish to have your name included in these lists, please call us.

How can I include Wisconsin Public Television in my will or living trust?
You can make a gift (bequest) to WPT through your will or living trust by designating a percentage of your total estate, the residue or a portion of the residue, or a specific dollar amount. See our website for sample bequest language and WPT’s Federal Tax I.D. Number to provide to your attorney. To request a brochure on wills and living trusts, please contact Diane Agans, Manager of Major and Planned Gifts at (608) 265-4437.

How can I give a gift of stock?
Giving appreciated stock to WPT can mean tax benefits for you. Contact Diane Agans at (608) 265-4437 or agans@wpt.org for more information.

How can I volunteer at WPT?
If you’d like to volunteer your time to help support Wisconsin Public Television, please click here or contact Emma Starzewski, our Volunteer Manager at (608) 265-4436.

Levels of Membership:

What is Leadership Circle?
Leadership Circle is WPT's mid-level giving program. Members are entitled to all basic member benefits, plus invitations to special events, and private WPT facilities tours. For more information, please contact Diane Agans, Manager of Major and Planned Gifts at (608) 265-4437.

What is Director’s Circle?
The Director’s Circle is WPT’s major donor program. This group of patrons enjoys a special relationship with WPT. Members are recognized through private gatherings, VIP tours and access to the Circle's video library. For more information, please contact Diane Agans, Manager of Major and Planned Gifts at (608) 265-4437.

What is the Heritage Society?
The Heritage Society honors the philanthropic leadership and vision of individuals who have provided for the future of public broadcasting by making a Legacy Gift. Legacy Gifts include: bequests through a will or living trust; gifts that provide lifetime income, such as charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts; and retirement plans or life insurance policies that name WPT as a beneficiary. Member benefits include special receptions, VIP tours and access to the WPT video library. To notify us of your interest in Heritage Society membership, please contact Diane Agans, Manager of Major and Planned Gifts at (608) 265-4437.

What is a Sustaining Membership?
A continuing (sustaining) member agrees to ongoing monthly payments of at least $5 a month. Continuing members do not receive renewal notices; they receive one annual letter confirming their gift. Click here for more information.

How do I become a Sustaining Member?
Call our SustainersLine at (866) 822-2634 or email us at sustainers@wpt.org

I am a Sustaining Member. Do I still get thank-you gifts?
As a Sustaining Member, you'll receive a letter once each year asking if want any of the listed items. Or call our SustainersLine at (866) 822-2634 or email sustainers@wpt.org,give us your name, address and member number, and let us know what gift you're interested in and we'll let you know what's available.

Publications/Mailings:

How can I change my mailing address?
Send your OLD and NEW name and address to member@wpt.org or call us at (800) 422-9707.

I am moving out of the area. How do I stop Wisconsin Public Television mailings?
Before you move, call Member Services at (800) 422-9707 or email member@wpt.org and ask to have your mailings stopped.

Does Wisconsin Public Television offer program schedules and information online?
WPT's monthly program schedule is available online at wpt.org. Members of WPT receive a printed copy with their membership of $35 or more.

WPT also offers a variety of e-mail newsletters, depending on your programming preferences. To see a complete listing and to sign up, go to our website at www.wpt.org/enews

How can I find out when my WPT membership and Airwaves guide subscription expire?
You'll find your membership number and expiration date on the magazine mailing label above your name.

What do I do if I am receiving two copies of Airwaves?
If you have both copies of Airwaves, look on the mailing labels to see if the membership numbers are different. If so, contact Member Services at (800) 422-9707 to have your duplicate memberships merged.

Is programming information available for people who are visually impaired?
A large-print version is available upon request. Please contact Member Services at (800) 422-9707 or email member@wpt.org if you would prefer this format.

Thank-You Gifts:

I am interested in a thank-you gift from a previous pledge drive. Is it still possible to get it?
It is often possible to receive thank-you gifts from recent pledge drives. Call Member Services at (800) 422-9707 and a Representative will tell you if the item is available and at what pledge level.

How can I order videotapes or DVDs of previously aired shows?
If you are referring to a program that aired during a pledge drive please email comments@wpt.org or call (800) 422-9707. For other programs, view our website at www.wpt.org or www.pbs.org for a comprehensive list of programs. If you don't find the program listed, call Audience Services at (800) 422-9707.

How long does it take to get my gift after I pledge?
Generally, it takes from six to eight weeks after we record your pledge payment (or first installment). If you are concerned about your gift, please call Member Services at (800) 422-9707 or email member@wpt.org.

What if I get the wrong gift or a damaged thank-you gift?
If you receive a gift and discover that it's wrong or damaged, contact us at (800) 422-9707 or e-mail member@wpt.org. We’ll send you a return label to return the item to us for replacement.

Billing:

When will my Credit Card be charged?
Credit card pledges are charged within 24 hours and your membership starts immediately. For installment pledges, the card number will be retained and charged either quarterly or monthly at the end of the appropriate months.

I am canceling my current credit card. How do I get the new credit card information to WPT in order to keep up my monthly payments?
Just call (800) 422-9707.

I already renewed. Why am I still receiving renewal notices?
Sometimes your renewal payment gets posted to your membership after we have pulled the file to send the next month's renewal notices. Occasionally, your payment may not have been recorded as a renewal. If you are concerned, contact us at (800) 422-9707 or e-mail member@wpt.org.

If you have any other questions that are not answered here, please call us at (800) 422-9707 or e-mail us at member@wpt.org and we will be happy to answer them for you.