Community support is PBS Western Reserve’s largest — and most important — source of funding. More than 17,000 individuals have stepped up to become PBS Western Reserve members and make a donation. Thanks to these members, PBS Western Reserve can provide entertaining and informational programming, resources and activities for children and even an emergency alert system.
To show appreciation, members receive exclusive benefits including access to PBS Western Reserve Passport, the member upgrade of the free PBS App that boasts extended access to thousands of PBS programs. To learn more about membership, visit pbswesternreserve.org/support.
Why John Mancinelli Supports PBS Western Reserve
“Over the last several years I have become more of a dedicated viewer, not only because of the national PBS programming but because of the local initiatives such as Around Akron with Blue Green, which is always a source of adventures for my church retirees group; City Centric, where I get to know not only my hometown but the surrounding area; Studio C — someday I will get to a live session; and probably my newest favorite, The World According to Polka … As a dedicated supporter and volunteer, my passion for PBSWR is growing because of both the dedicated staff and what the station has to offer.”
— John Mancinelli, member
Planned Giving
Planned giving, also known as legacy giving, is the act of preparing to make a gift to a nonprofit in the future typically through an estate plan. Planned gifts, no matter their size, have a significant impact on the organization. In fiscal year 2025, one estate from an anonymous donor gifted PBS Western Reserve with $18,000! With programming costs increasing, this donation went directly toward supporting the shows broadcast on TV.
This past year, PBS Western Reserve offered a free benefit to members called Giving Docs. The free resource gave individuals a step-by-step process to create an estate plan. Hundreds of members took advantage of the service to create their plan.
Producers Circle
At PBS Western Reserve, donors who make a gift of at least $1,200 are welcomed into the Producers Circle. In the past year, membership into the Producers Circle has tripled!
These individuals receive special benefits including early registration access to special events hosted by the station. This spring, one individual made a gift of $10,000 to join the Producers Circle and to support PBS Western Reserve’s upcoming project, The Remember Balloons Live!
Learn more about the project at pbswesternreserve.org/rememberballoons and how to join the Producers Circle at pbswesternreserve.org/producerscircle.
WAYS TO WATCH:
PBS Western Reserve (WNEO 45.1 / WEAO 49.1)
Fusion (WNEO 45.2 / WEAO 49.2)
FNX — First Nations Experience (WNEO 45.3 / WEAO 49.3)