Frequently Asked Questions

Membership
Payment
Thank You Gifts
Vehicle Donations
Volunteering
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us

Membership FAQ

How do I know which type of membership is right for me?
WQED Multimedia offers many different types of membership so that we can meet the needs of our diverse audience. For more information on the different types of membership, please refer to the Support WQED page or call our Donor & Audience Services line at 412-622-1370 or 1-888-622-1370. We would be happy to help you select the right program.

When does my membership begin and end?
Your membership is current for one year after your payment is processed. If your payment is processed mid-month, then your membership will begin on the first day of the following month. For example, if your payment is received in mid-February, then your membership will begin on March 1st and last for one year. You will receive a reminder in the mail before your membership expires.

*Note: Your renewal cycle begins three months prior to your expiration date. Any contribution given before that time is considered an additional gift for the year and does not renew your membership.

If you’re a sustainer, your membership is monthly and ongoing. Once you pledge your support as a sustainer, your monthly gift automatically renews at the level you’ve pledged. It’s a set it and forget it membership and is the most reliable source of revenue for the station.

What does my membership include?
For information about your specific level of membership, please visit our Support WQED page.

Why do WQED TV and Classical QED 89.3 have membership drives?
WQED Multimedia relies on the support of our members to help accomplish our mission. Our membership drives help build community support by offering diverse programs that allow our viewing audience to participate by becoming a member. Membership accounts for 30 percent of WQED Multimedia's income, and membership drives are one of the most effective methods of raising funds by acquiring new members and renewing existing supporters.

I still have several months left on my membership. Why am I receiving renewal notices?
Because it is so important for us to keep you as a member of the WQED family, we start sending out reminders before your membership expires.

The programming schedule has changed due to a membership drive. When will my program be back on at its regular time?
Please refer to your program guide or consult the television and radio listings on our website to see when your program will air again. You may also contact our Donor relations specialist for assistance by calling 1-888-622-1370 or 412-622-1370.

Payment FAQ

I have never used my credit card on the Internet before. How does it work? Is it safe?
WQED Multimedia uses the best security and encryption technology available for your protection. The personal and financial information that your computer sends us, and the information that we send back to your computer, is encrypted while in transit. Encrypted files are scrambled and can only be reassembled and used by the sender and the recipient. This means that when you send your personal and financial information to WQED, it is encrypted so that no one but us can decipher it. Your credit card number is never stored unencrypted on our server, and it is only decrypted at the time of its use.

I just sent my renewal check. Why did I receive a renewal notice?
In order to limit expenses, we print and send out renewal notices in bulk. This means that it takes several weeks for a renewal letter to get to you. As a result, your renewal gift and our letter may have crossed in the mail. We will send an acknowledgment letter to let you know when your check has been processed, but if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Donor & Audience Services at 412-622-1370 or 1-888-622-1370.

'Thank You' Gifts FAQ

How long does it take to receive my membership 'thank you' gift?
On average you will receive you gift 6 to 8 weeks after your pledge. All tickets and trip itineraries are printed and mailed approximately two weeks before the date of the show or event.

An on-air fundraising drive just ended, but I was not able to contribute at that time. Am I still able to choose a 'thank you' gift that was offered during that time?
Yes, you can call one of our Donor relations specialists at 412-622-1370 or 1-888-622-1370 and pledge for a thank you item any time.

I just found that I can buy my 'thank you' gift elsewhere for a lower price. Can I get a refund?
WQED Multimedia is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All gifts made to WQED are considered charitable donations. The 'thank you' gifts advertised during our on-air fundraising drives are simply our way of showing our appreciation for your support.

Tickets

I bought a TICKETS/CD/DVD from you during a membership drive. Why are you referring to my purchase as a donation?
If you called during a television or radio on-air membership drive and made a 'pledge' of support in order to receive a 'thank you' gift, you have made a charitable contribution to WQED Multimedia and are therefore a member. The item(s) you receive are our way of saying 'thank you' for your generous support.

How can I find out where my seats are located?
For the majority of ticketed events, the tickets are provided through a third party and are not generated by WQED. The date and time of your pledge is given to the venue and tickets are issued in the order that pledges were received.

I pledged for tickets over a month ago, where are my tickets?
Your tickets will be mailed from the venue approximately two weeks before the date of the show. We do not know the location of your seat until the venue sends us the confirmation list after all tickets have been mailed.

Can I get a refund on my tickets?
WQED is unable to offer refunds on tickets.

Why does my ticket pledge have to be on a credit card?
There are a limited number of tickets to any given event. In order to be fair to our supporters, tickets are given on a first come, first served basis, and payments must be guaranteed in order to reserve your ticket(s). Pledging on a credit card allows your payment to be processed immediately, thereby guaranteeing your payment and reserving your ticket.

Vehicle Donations

Why Donate?
There are several great reasons, like:

You don't want to worry about selling your vehicle.
It is too expensive to repair your vehicle.
Your vehicle won't pass emissions.
You don't trust your car to be safe on the road.
You need a tax write-off.

But the most important reason is that your donation will help us continue to provide the quality educational, cultural and informational programs and services that enhance and engage our community.

Does my car have to be running?
Not always. It does have to have an engine and be towable. It varies from state to state and depends upon the year, make, and model of the vehicle. Sometimes if the cost to transport a vehicle will cost more than what it will bring at auction, it may be declined. Call our toll free line (855)-700-9733 to find out if your vehicle qualifies.

Does my car have to be registered?
No, but you must be the legal titleholder.

What if I lost the title?
You must obtain the title prior to donating it. Contact your local DMV to obtain a duplicate title.

Where do I sign my title?
Our driver will instruct you of the proper place to sign your title. You may have to sign a power of attorney authorizing us to transfer it. Our driver will let you know what is required or call our toll free number (855-700-9733) to speak with our representative.

What kind of paperwork will I receive?
You will receive a tow receipt when the vehicle is picked up. Thirty days after the vehicle is sold, you will receive an acknowledgement. If your vehicle sells for OVER $500 you will receive IRS Form 1098 B & C.

How much can I take for my donation?
Effective 2005, if the value of the vehicle is over $500, the taxpayer is limited to deduct the amount for which the vehicle sold. In such a case you will receive a Form 1098 B & C within 30 days of sale. If the vehicle sells for under $500 you will not receive IRS forms as you are not required to file them for vehicle donations up to $500. Please consult your tax advisor to determine your benefit or for additional information, visit the IRS website (.pdf).

What will happen to my vehicle?
Your vehicle will be picked up by one of our courteous drivers and sold at auction. Cars are usually sold within 30 days of pick up. Some vehicles may take longer.

Is there a tow fee?
No. If you are out of our towing range, we can offer you the option to drop the vehicle off at our auction house at your convenience.

Are all cars sold at auction?
No. Occasionally, cars that are donated do not sell at auction. In those cases, the vehicles are sold for scrap metal.

Will I be notified when it sells?
Yes. If the vehicle sells for over $500 you will receive IRS Form 1098 B & C. If not, you will simply receive an acknowledgement as required by the IRS.

How soon can my vehicle be picked up?
Vehicles are picked up at a time that is convenient for you. Our representative will take all pertinent information regarding your donation, and forward it to our tow company. They will call you within 24 hours to set up an appointment. If you have not been called within 24 hours, please call (855-700-9733).

What vehicles do you accept?
We take cars, boats (if they are on a trailer), motor homes, trucks, motorcycles (if they are operational), farm equipment, and recreational vehicles such as snowmobiles, jet ski, etc.) Call our representative to find out if your vehicle qualifies.

How do I get started?
Your support begins when you call* us at 855-700-9733. You can also fill out an online donation form here.

Before calling, please have the following information ready:

Your title and lien release in hand.
The year, make, and model of your vehicle.
The general condition of the vehicle.
Your vehicle identification number (VIN). This 17-digit number can be found on your title, insurance policy, or on your car.
Your Social Security Number (required by IRS).

Volunteering

What do volunteers do at WQED?

WQED offers three different ways to volunteer:

Television pledge drive volunteers answer the telephones in our studios and process member pledges by collecting basic contact and payment information. All pledge drive volunteers are supervised by WQED’s experienced pledge supervisors, who will teach you how to use our phone and computer systems.

Office volunteers help at our Oakland headquarters by preparing packages and letters for mailing, organizing thank you gifts for our members, making phone calls, and helping with basic computer tasks such as data entry. We utilize your unique skill set to help with the many varied tasks at WQED.

Special Events volunteers help to facilitate events within the Pittsburgh community sponsored by WQED such as concerts, film screenings, fundraisers, and galas. Special Events volunteers are scheduled as needed given the size and venue of the event.

How do I sign up for a volunteer shift?
To sign up for a shift, contact the Volunteer Coordinator by calling 412-622-1506 or e-mail volunteers@wqed.org.

Where is WQED located?
WQED is located at 4802 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

Where do I go once I arrive at the WQED studios?
All volunteers should enter the building through our main entrance on Fifth Avenue. All doors are always locked, so simply press the button located on the wall to the left of the door, and the receptionist will let you in.

*Please note that after 5pm on weekdays and on the weekend, there will not be a receptionist present. Lift the telephone, which is located on the wall to the left of the front door, and dial the number posted. An operator will answer and send a supervisor to let you into the building.

What if I am unable to fulfill a volunteer shift for which I signed up?
If you are unable to fulfill your volunteer shift, please contact the volunteer coordinator as soon as possible by phone at 412-622-1506 or by e-mail at volunteers@wqed.org.

What should I do if inclement weather makes it difficult for me to get to the WQED studios for my scheduled volunteer shift?
If you are unable to volunteer during your scheduled shift due to inclement weather, please contact the volunteer coordinator.

If inclement weather forces WQED to reschedule an in-studio pledge drive, the Volunteer Coordinator will contact each individual who was scheduled to volunteer with details about when the pledge will be rescheduled. The Volunteer Coordinator will also record an automated voice mail message with this information on the WQED volunteer line at 412-622-1506.

Can I bring a friend with me to volunteer?
Absolutely! If you would like to bring an additional volunteer with you for your shift, please contact the volunteer coordinator at least 24 hours in advance.

Can WQED accommodate volunteers with special needs?
The WQED studios are accessible and WQED will make every effort to accommodate a prospective volunteer with special needs. To determine if we can accommodate you or a member of your group, please contact the volunteer coordinator.

My child or students would like to volunteer at WQED. Does WQED allow volunteers who are under the age of 18?
WQED welcomes volunteers of all ages. However, we require that volunteers under the age of 18 be accompanied on their visit to our studios by a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult.

Contact WQED

Want to make a pledge? Have questions about becoming a WQED Member?

Contact Donor & Audience Services at 412-622-1370 or toll free at 1-888-622-1370.
*Please note that our regular business hours are 9am—5pm.

Email us at members@wqed.org.

We'd love to hear from you!

Our Address:
WQED Multimedia
4802 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

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