Join the Trust in the Future Legacy Challenge
The Trust in the Future Legacy Challenge is an opportunity for supporters of GBH and its programs to unlock a meaningful, dedicated pool of funds today when they make or document a planned gift that ensures enduring support for generations to come, during a critical moment.
How it Works
When a donor documents a planned gift, GBH will receive an immediate 10% match from a dedicated pool of challenge funds (up to $10,000).
Qualified Ways to Give
Gift in Your Will or Living Trust
This type of donation to GBH in your will or living trust helps ensure that we continue our mission for years to come. Learn more
Beneficiary Designations
It’s easy to put your bank accounts, retirement funds, savings bonds, and more to use in creating a world impacted by GBH— and it costs nothing now. Learn more
Life Income Gifts
In exchange for your gift, GBH will pay you or another beneficiary income for life or a fixed term of years. Learn more
Other Ways to Give
The following planned giving options do not qualify for the Legacy Challenge match. However, they are still wonderful options depending on your circumstances.
Real Estate
Want to make a gift to GBH without touching your bank account? Consider giving us real estate, such as a personal residence, vacation home, farm, commercial property, or undeveloped land. Such a generous gift helps us continue our work for years to come. Learn more
Endowment
Gifts to the GBH endowment can be designated for general purposes or earmarked for special projects, such as radio productions, children’s programs, public affairs, drama, arts, science, or history. We’re grateful for gifts to our endowment in any amount. For those with the desire and means to leave a special legacy, with your gift of $100,000 or more you can:
Learn more
- Create an endowed fund named after you or in honor or memory of another
- Choose whether your named fund will support GBH in general or be designated for a specific purpose.
IRA Charitable Rollover
When you support GBH through your IRA, you can make a difference today and save on taxes at the same time. Learn more
- If you are required to take minimum distributions, you can use your gift to satisfy all or part of your obligation.
- You pay no income taxes on the gift.
- Since the gift doesn’t count as income, it can reduce your annual income level.
Donor Advised Funds
During your lifetime, you can recommend a grant from your donor-advised fund to impact the future of public media by educating and inspiring through GBH. Learn more
Ask your DAF representative to make a gift to the WGBH Educational Foundation. Donations by DAFs can be mailed to:
WGBH Educational Foundation
Gift Planning and Endowment
One Guest Street
Boston, MA 02135
What if I want to support a specific program?
Donors decide if they want their gift to be unrestricted, for a program trust, or a values-driven designated fund. Learn more
- Program Trusts: AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, FRONTLINE, MASTERPIECE, NOVA
- Designated Funds: Arts & Culture, Climate & Environment, Kids & Education, News & Journalism, Science & Health, Voices & Equity
Challenge Funders
The Renee Inomata Memorial Fund: When this Challenge was still in its initial stages and brought to leadership, the first to step forward was Renee Inomata, GBH Trustee and Board of Advisors Chair (at the time of her passing), whose leadership and generosity have shaped so many corners of GBH. In characteristic fashion, Renee led with action—committing $300,000 from her retirement account.
In a moving tribute after she passed suddenly in December 2025, her husband Paul Lee agreed that this gift would establish the Renee Inomata Memorial Fund, ensuring that Renee’s spirit of service, generosity, and forward thinking will continue to inspire future donors to make their own lasting commitments.
The Lowell Institute: As GBH’s longest-standing donor, it is especially meaningful that the Lowell Institute has committed its annual $250,000 grant for the next three years. GBH’s history traces back to the founding of the Lowell Institute, created through the 1836 bequest of John Lowell, Jr., which established a public lecture series that ultimately grew into the GBH audiences know and trust today. This commitment reflects the enduring impact of philanthropic foresight and comes as GBH approaches its official 75th anniversary in 2026.
Additional Resources
For more information, please contact:
Julie Hallowell
Director of Gift Planning and Endowment,
800-220-7122
gift_planning@wgbh.org
Before You Make Your Gift
Planned gifts should be considered carefully. We recommend that you consult an attorney, financial advisor, or estate planning expert in preparing your will or trust. GBH does not provide legal or tax advice.
