A gift to Wisconsin Public Radio in your estate plans has a significant and lasting impact on WPR’s ability to share trustworthy news coverage, engaging and inspiring cultural programming, and thoughtful conversations that bring people together.
The WPR Signature Circle
The Signature Circle is an exceptional group of supporters who have included WPR in their will or other estate plan. They are visionary philanthropists who are providing a foundation of financial stability for the future of WPR.
If you have included a gift in your will, trust, or through a beneficiary designation, please let us know by completing this Planned Giving Statement of Intent form. You may choose to be recognized as part of the Signature Circle or you can request to be privately thanked but not publicly recognized.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Signature Circle!
Ways to Give
For more information about how to join the members of our Signature Circle through giving to WPR in your estate plans, we encourage you to talk to your estate planning attorney or financial advisor, or contact us. Visit the links below for information about some of the most popular types of legacy gifts.
Legal name and tax ID
When including a gift in your will or other plan, be sure to include our legal designation:
Wisconsin Public Radio Association, Inc.
821 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53706
Tax ID # 23 – 7363536
How Will You Use My Gift?
Unless otherwise specified by the donor, legacy gifts to Wisconsin Public Radio are added to an Endowment to ensure the future of WPR for generations to come. The Endowment is invested strategically to preserve its principal value, and annual payout from the Endowment supports WPR’s programs and operations. As our Endowment grows, it provides an expanding source of stable funding to help us weather the ups and downs of the economy and keep WPR strong.
Contact Us
Our legacy giving team is available to answer any questions you may have, or to discuss your planned gift and your preferences. We encourage you to reach out to us so we may thank you, ensure any gift restrictions or preferences are clear, and welcome you to the Signature Circle.
Lisa Karnes
Legacy Giving Director
608-262-2166
lisa.karnes@wpr.org
Aimee Granger
Managing Director of Legacy Giving
608-265-0723
aimee.granger@wpr.org
Brea Pautsch
Legacy Giving Manager
608-263-2129
brea.pautsch@wpr.org
Eva Marley
Legacy Giving Manager
608-265-2653
eva.marley@wpr.org
Include WPR in your will or trust
Supporting WPR through a gift through a will or trust is a simple and thoughtful way to help future generations inherit a world where ideas, culture and an informed citizenry form the bedrock of a healthy democracy. A gift in your will or trust requires no immediate donation and can be changed. There are several ways to include a gift to WPR in your will or living trust. Some options include:
- Leave a defined sum of money.
- Leaving a percentage of funds left over after other gifts and debts are paid and your loved ones are provided for.
- Leave a percentage of your estate — even a small percentage has a big impact.
You can name WPR as a secondary or contingent beneficiary, so your gift only goes to WPR if your other beneficiaries predecease you. Our gift planning team is happy to help you explore your options or answer your questions.
Name WPR as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, life insurance or other financial account
To make a gift through a beneficiary designation, contact your retirement plan administrator, insurance company, or bank or financial institution for a change-of-beneficiary form.
You can make a gift through a beneficiary designation for any of the following types of accounts:
- Retirement accounts
- Life insurance plans
- Bank or brokerage accounts
It’s important to review your beneficiary designations every few years or after any major life changes. You can easily update your plans, change your mind, or name new or additional beneficiaries at any time. Since we don’t know what the future holds for us or our families, including WPR as a secondary beneficiary can be a good choice.
When you review your designations, please consider naming WPR as a beneficiary of some percentage, or all of, your:
- Retirement accounts
- Life insurance plan
- Bank or brokerage accounts
If you choose to include WPR as a primary or secondary beneficiary, please consider sharing your wishes with us by filling out this form. Informing WPR of your designation, as well as any recognition preferences or restrictions on your gift, ensures your wishes will be honored.
To name WPR a beneficiary of your retirement account, life insurance plan, or other financial account, please use our legal name and Tax Identification Number: Wisconsin Public Radio Association, Inc. # 23 – 7363536.
Add WPR to your donor-advised fund (DAF) succession plan
A DAF succession plan is an important part of your overall estate plan and allows you to leave a charitable legacy. Simply tell your DAF sponsor how to distribute assets remaining in your charitable giving fund after your lifetime.
Distribute remaining funds directly to charity:
- Direct remaining funds to be distributed immediately, or over several years, to WPR and/or other charities.
- Work directly with our gift planning team to create a gift agreement that specifies how you would like your gift used and recognized.
Distribute funds indirectly through successor advisors:
- Appoint family members or others to take over as successor advisors. They will continue giving from the fund to charities of their choosing.
- Divide your account: Direct some funds to be distributed directly to the charities of your choice; remaining funds may be distributed by successor advisors.
We encourage you and your financial advisors to reach out to learn more about how to make a significant investment in WPR now, and for the future, via DAF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a will?
Yes! Every adult needs a will (or living trust, or both) and should review it every three years or so to ensure that it’s up to date. A will and/or living trust accomplishes some important tasks, including allocating your assets, reflecting your most important relationships, designating guardians for children and caregivers for beloved companion animals, and giving gifts to charity.
I have a will and/or trust, but I’m not able to update it now. How can I include a gift for WPR??
Naming WPR as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, financial account or donor-advised fund is as simple as updating your beneficiary designation form and doesn’t require an attorney.
A legacy gift is very personal. Can I trust WPR to use my gift wisely?
Yes! We’re proud of our effectiveness and financial transparency. Unless a donor specifies otherwise, legacy gifts to WPR are added to our endowment. We encourage you to reach out to our legacy giving team with any questions you may have about our endowment, or how we invest legacy gifts in the future of WPR. You can also review our most recent Annual Report, including audited financials, at wpr.org/wpr-annual-reports.
I have family or loved ones whom I need to take care of. How can I do that and still support WPR?
You can make us a beneficiary of a small percentage of your estate or account, or name us a secondary or contingent beneficiary so WPR receives a gift only if your primary beneficiary predeceases you.
What if I include a gift to WPR in my will or other plan but change my mind?
None of us know what the future holds. We understand that a gift that has been directed to WPR might need to be re-allocated to more pressing needs. The decision is always yours to make, and we trust that you’ll update your plans if you need to.
Can I speak to someone about other questions I have?
Yes! Contact us at 888-909-4163 or legacy@wpr.org.