Membership Information Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check my member status?
Think you might be a WBEZ member? Donors can access their giving history and check on their member status through the WBEZ Member Center at wbez.org/members.

How can I donate?
One-time, recurring monthly or annual donations may be made:

Online at wbez.org/donate
By phone at 888-915-9239
By check payable to WBEZ and mailed to PO BOX 71956 Chicago, IL 60694-1956

Can I make a donation from my Donor Advised Fund?Yes! WBEZ/Chicago Public Media’s tax identification number (EIN) is 36-3687394. Your financial institution can use the above EIN to disburse a grant from your fund to WBEZ. While WBEZ will send a notification to thank you for your generosity, we will not furnish a letter deeming the grant tax deductible, as the deduction is taken when the funds are initially put in the DAF.

Can I make a donation from my IRA or DAF to meet my account’s required minimum distribution?
Yes! Please note that in accordance with the Protecting Americans Against Tax Hikes Act of 2015, certain member benefits, such as thank you gifts, cannot be distributed in exchange for financial contributions from an IRA/DAF. We appreciate your understanding! Speak with your IRA/DAF account administrator to get started.

What are the benefits of being a WBEZ member?
A donation of any amount makes you a member of WBEZ. All members receive the following benefits:

Opportunities to enter member exclusive giveaways
Discounts or presale access to WBEZ curated or supported events

High Fidelity members (those making ongoing monthly or pre-scheduled recurring annual donations) also receive:

Subscription to NPR+
Online access to the Pledge-Free Stream during pledge drives
Member only giveaways throughout the year
Choice of an annual Thank You gift on your Member Anniversary date.

What is NPR+?
NPR+ is a service that provides audiences access to perks like sponsor-free listening, bonus episodes and early access to select NPR podcasts. Users may connect this expanded access to their listening by web browser, the NPR App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more.

When will NPR+ be available to WBEZ members?
NPR+ subscription access will be granted to WBEZ High Fidelity members on November 19, 2024. Qualified members will receive an email on that day with activation and access instructions.

Who qualifies for the NPR+ member benefit?
WBEZ High Fidelity members making recurring donations of at least $8.00/month or $96.00/per year qualify for NPR+.

New members can set up NPR+ qualifying donations online at wbez.org/donate.

Existing donors who want to upgrade their donations for NPR+ access can do so online through the WBEZ Member Center at wbez.org/members or by sending an email to membership@wbez.org.

Is my donation to WBEZ tax deductible?
Yes! WBEZ is operated by Chicago Public Media, a tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The entirety of your donation, minus the actual retail value of any thank you gifts you receive, is tax deductible. (Note that NPR+ is a member benefit and is not taxed.)Tax letters are made available annually, by early February. WBEZ members may access donation receipts or tax letters online via the WBEZ Member Center.

I need to replace my thank you gift. What do I do?
If you received a damaged or incorrect thank you gift, send an email to membership@wbez.org. The WBEZ Member Services is happy to instruct our vendor to issue a replacement at no charge.

Are vehicle donations accepted? Would this qualify me for membership?
Yes! A vehicle donation makes you a WBEZ member. Please visit our vehicle donation page to learn more: www.wbez.org/cars

My company will match my donation. How do I set that up?
Please send an email to matchinggifts@wbez.org. The appropriate staff member will respond with instructions. Please note, any amount matched by a WBEZ member’s employer is not reflected in the member’s total donation amount, as the matching funds are provided by the employer.

I have a comment or suggestion for the WBEZ news team. Who do I contact?
Please call our news hotline at 312-948-4650 or send them an email at news@wbez.org.

I would like to submit a question for Curious City. How do I do that?

You can submit your Chicago-centric question for the Curious City team here: curiouscity.wbez.org/

I would like information about Corporate Sponsorship.
Please visit wbezsponsor.org/ for more information.