FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Why is MPT knocking on my door?
MPT is YOUR public television station, and we rely on financial support from viewers like you to help us keep our unique, commercial-free programs on the air. Having someone from MPT knock on your door is a way for us to talk neighbor-to-neighbor and hear first-hand why you love PBS. It also lets us share with you why becoming a member and supporter is so important.
2. How do I know this representative is really from MPT?
MPT has taken special care to help you identify our door-to-door ambassadors. First, the person will have a photo ID issued from MPT that includes his or her name, ID number and photograph. Second, MPT has posted the photographs, names and ID numbers of all our ambassadors on our website (mpt.org/door-to-door-membership). Please feel free to verify the identity of our representatives by matching up the photo ID of the person at your door with his or her name and photo shown here. Our ambassadors will be wearing uniforms that include a blue polo shirt and black cap with the MPT logo on them. The ambassadors will also be carrying a gray MPT messenger bag.
3. Why does MPT need a donation from me?
MPT is a non-profit organization and relies on viewers like you for 23% of our operating support. Without these contributions, public television and the shows you know, enjoy and trust wouldn’t exist.
4. Where does my money go?
Your donation goes directly into MPT’s annual operating support budget. It pays for general operation of the station, including our PBS membership, educational outreach and the shows you love 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
5. If I give at the door, do I get a “thank-you” gift like they talk about on TV?
Typically, our door-to-door ambassadors do not offer thank-you gifts. But if you would like to receive a gift, they would be happy to take down your information and pass it along to an MPT member services representative.
6. Is my donation tax deductible?
All donations are tax deductible less the fair market value of any thank-you gifts you selected. If you choose not to receive any thank-you gifts, the entire amount is tax deductible. You will receive an acknowledgment letter in the next few weeks showing your donation and the fair market value of any thank-you gifts for your tax records.
7. When will I receive confirmation of my donation?
Within 1 hour (but typically immediately) you will receive an email thanking you for your gift.
8. Doesn’t the government and my taxes pay for MPT?
As a state agency, 33% of MPT’s annual operating budget comes from the State of Maryland. 9% of our funding comes from the Federal Government. And 23% of our operating budget comes from “viewers like you.” Additionally, when we apply to private foundations for money, one of the most important criteria is the number of donors we have here in our community. In short, we need your support to receive their support.
9. How does matching gifts work?
If you are an employee of (or retired from) a company that matches employee donations to public television, you can increase the value of your donation to MPT by having your company match your contribution. Simply contact your human resource office and obtain a form to fill out. Enclose that form with your contribution and send it to:
Maryland Public Television
Matching Gift Program
11767 Owings Mills Boulevard
Owings Mills, Maryland 21117
If you have questions, please call Jean-Anne South at 410-581-4088. Or, send an email to jsouth@mpt.org.
