Planned Giving

Support Chicago Public Media through Planned Giving

One of the many ways that many of our members choose to express their commitment to our long-term sustainability is by naming Chicago Public Media (WBEZ and Vocalo) in their wills or trusts. This is a way to make a lasting contribution without affecting your current financial security and freedom. Planned gifts offer you the flexibility to balance your personal financial goals with your interest in supporting Chicago Public Media.

If you have already included Chicago Public Media (or WBEZ) in your estate plans, we would be glad to include you in our planned giving honor society. Let us know that you’ve included Chicago Public Media (or WBEZ) in you estate plans by clicking here.

Bequests and living trusts are often the simplest and most convenient type of legacy gifts that our friends establish. You may choose to give a percentage of your estate or all, or part of the residue that is left over after all other bequests are made.

A few types of bequests to consider include:

  • Unrestricted Bequests: Allows Chicago Public Media to direct your gift where it is needed the most.
    You can include wording in your will or trust such as: “I give and devise to Chicago Public Media (Tax ID #36-3687394), located in Chicago, IL, the amount of $XX [or XX% of the residue of my estate], to be used for general operating support.”
  • Restricted Bequests: Permits Chicago Public Media to use your gift in the manner you designate, such as a specific area of interest (news, talk programming, equipment, etc.).
  • Specific Bequest: Gives a specific asset to Chicago Public Media, such as cash or securities.
  • Residuary Bequest: Gives all or a percentage of what remains in your estate to Chicago Public Media after all other specific bequests have been satisfied and all debts and expenses have been paid.
  • Contingent Bequest: Gives all or a portion of your estate to Chicago Public Media when a named individual beneficiary dies before you. For example, “I give $10,000 to my cousin Mary, but if she does not survive me, the bequest should be given to Chicago Public Media.”

Other vehicles that can be used are retirement plans, life insurance, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, and gift annuities. There are financial benefits to the donor associated with each of these philanthropic instruments. In all charitable estate planning matters, Chicago Public Media, Inc. encourages you to seek professional advice from your trusted advisers.

Tax ID: 36-3687394

For more information about estate planning, please contact your financial or legal advisers.

If you wish to learn how your estate can help ensure Chicago Public Media’s future, please contact Lisa Villani-Gale at lvillanigale@chicagopublicmedia.org.