Donor FAQ

My Pioneer Preview guide didn't arrive!
Long lead times for printing and mailing our guide require that we select the mailing list weeks prior to the mailing date. Your one-year subscription will begin with the next issue. If you miss an issue of the Pioneer Preview, it may mean that it has been lost in the mail, we don't have your correct address or your membership year has ended. Whatever the reason, please contact us. We'll send you a copy, and we'll do our best to rectify the problem.

When will my thank you gift arrive?
If you joined as a new or upgrading member and requested a thank you gift, it should arrive about eight weeks from the time we process your payment. If it has been longer than eight weeks, please contact us.

What if I receive two guides?
If you mistakenly receive two copies of the Pioneer Preview or any of our mailings, you may be on our mailing list twice. Please send us the address labels from both copies, and we will merge the two listings or call our toll free number at 1-800-726-3178.

But I already sent in a contribution!
During your membership year, you may receive a request for an extra contribution beyond your "regular" annual gift either by mail or telephone. Additional contributions from current members are an important part of our strong member support. Our experience shows that many Pioneer Public TV contributors who feel they would like to, but cannot give a larger contribution when renewing, send "extra" gifts during their membership year. These gifts do not extend your membership year, they are additional gifts and should not be confused with renewal reminders. Of course, any time you have a question about the status of your membership, please call our toll free number at 1-800-726-3178.

We'll send you renewal reminders starting three months before your membership is due to expire. (Renewing promptly helps us assure that you won't miss an issue of the Pioneer Preview.) You can renew your membership by mail or online at www.pioneer.org.

How does Pioneer Public TV use my contribution?
Like you, we at Pioneer Public TV care a great deal about the use of contributed dollars. That's why we work very hard to see that the greatest possible portion of each dollar received goes toward the wonderful programs you see. Over 75 percent of our annual budget goes directly toward purchasing, producing, broadcasting and keeping you informed about our programs.

Does Pioneer Public TV exchange mailing lists?
Pioneer Public TV never has, nor ever will exchange mailing lists with any other organization or business. We value your privacy.

Is my contribution tax deductible?
The Internal Revenue Service has requested that we remind you that the "fair market value" of any thank you gift you may have received is not tax deductible and must be subtracted from the total amount of your donation for income tax purposes.

How do I get information about programs?
We have a variety of ways to inform you of the programming Pioneer has to offer, including the Pioneer Preview, our weekly Pioneer e-newsletter and our website www.pioneer.org. Additionally, as a member your call will have top priority. We can provide you with information when programs are going to air. Contact Shirley Schwarz, program director at at 1-800-726-3178 for more information about programming on Pioneer Public TV. For more information about our e-newsletter or how to become a member, go to www.pioneer.org.

Did you know.....?
Your gift to Pioneer Public TV could be doubled or even tripled if you and/or your spouse work for a company offering a matching gift program? Please check with your company's human resources department to obtain necessary forms or call our toll-free number at 1-800-726-3178, and we can provide you with a list of businesses that offer gift matches in Minnesota.

Our reception of Pioneer Public TV is poor, can you help?
Call Pioneer at 1-800-726-3178 during business hours. You will be connected with an experienced engineer, who will try to assist you with your reception problems.

Where can I get more information about leaving a large gift to Pioneer?
Please contact the planned giving department at Pioneer Public TV. Les Heen or Janet Suckow will be more than happy to contact you personally and go over the options of the advantages of making a planned gift or becoming a Cornerstone Builder, benefiting the future of Pioneer Public TV.