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Legacy Society

Many of our supporters have included WETA in their estate plans over the years. In recognition of this group of committed individuals, WETA established the Elizabeth P. Campbell Legacy Society, named in honor of our founder.

Anyone who names WETA as beneficiary of their will, living trust, life insurance, retirement plan or other estate plan, is eligible to become a member of the Legacy Society. Benefits of membership include invitations to special events, recognition in WETA publications (if desired) and a thank-you from our president.

Planned giving

Elizabeth Campbell

Many people think of planned giving as deferred giving because the most common gift is one through a will, living trust or other estate document. The following are examples of planned gifts you can make to WETA.

Estate gifts

Estate gifts are a critical source of funding for WETA, and they are easy to do. Simply decide if you would like to give WETA a specific dollar amount, a set percentage of your estate or a specific asset, or include WETA as a contingent or residual beneficiary of your estate.

Once that is decided, provide your attorney with WETA's legal designation language, which should be inserted into your will.
Learn more about estate gifts »

Retirement and insurance

Another simple way to support WETA is to name us as beneficiary of your retirement plan or life insurance policy. You can use the same legal designation language as used for estate gifts.

Securities

You may find that making a gift of appreciated securities can provide you with an ideal way to donate to WETA. There are several benefits to making your gift in the form of appreciated assets. You would, of course, be entitled to a charitable income tax deduction for the full fair market value of your securities. In addition, you would avoid the capital gains taxes on the sale of your assets. If you were to sell your stocks or mutual funds yourself, you would generate a tax liability in the form of a capital gain. By donating the security directly to WETA you avoid that tax liability.

Securities can be electronically transferred by your broker to WETA's broker, or you can send the stock certificates directly to us or our broker by certified mail. The process is simple and we can work with you so that the funds can support the program area of your choice.

Your generous support

Your generous support helps WETA and the community we serve in so many ways. Learn more about how your support helps.

A special message from Elizabeth Campbell

"When I founded WETA, few believed it would become one of the Washington area's most valued and essential institutions. Yet, there is much to be done in making the best use of public broadcasting's power to educate the young and to stimulate learning in all Americans.

"If you share my dream, a bequest to our endowment will help secure WETA's future. Please join with me in ensuring that WETA will always be an integral part of the educational and cultural life of our country and the greater Washington community."

— Elizabeth P. Campbell, Founder of WETA

Ken Burns

A video message from Ken Burns

Watch this video clip to hear acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns talk about a proud World War II veteran named Jim who — like many people who remember WETA in their wills and legacy gifts — wants the power of public broadcasting to span generations.

Watch video clip »

"I feel joyous knowing that my money will support WETA in its service to future generations."
— Mary C. Blake, Elizabeth P. Campbell Legacy Society member

Disclaimer

Please note that WETA cannot provide tax or legal advice. We encourage you to talk with your attorney or other advisor before making such a gift and to assist you in preparing your estate documents. WETA cannot act as executor nor prepare your bequest documents.

WETA IS NOT ENGAGED IN RENDERING LEGAL OR TAX ADVISORY SERVICE. FOR ADVICE OR ASSISTANCE IN SPECIFIC CASES, THE SERVICES OF AN ATTORNEY OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR SHOULD BE OBTAINED. THE PURPOSE OF WETA'S WEB PAGE ON PLANNED GIVING IS TO PROVIDE ACCURATE AND AUTHORITATIVE INFORMATION OF A GENERAL CHARACTER ONLY. WATCH FOR TAX REVISIONS. STATE LAWS GOVERN WILLS, TRUSTS, AND CHARITABLE GIFTS MADE IN A CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT. ADVICE FROM LEGAL COUNSEL SHOULD BE SOUGHT WHEN CONSIDERING THESE TYPES OF GIFTS.