FAQs

Donating
Will my personal information be shared with other organizations?

No. The ETV Endowment will not sell, rent, barter, share or give its membership donor list to any other entity or individual. See our donor privacy policy.

What are my rights as a donor?

Download our Donor's Bill of Rights for more information about your rights as a philanthropist.

Is my contribution tax deductible?

All contributions are tax deductible to the extent that they exceed the fair market value of any thank-you gift received, as allowed by the IRS. Your receipt will indicate the amount of your tax-deductible contribution.

How will I know when to renew my membership?

Your first renewal notice will be mailed three months before your membership lapses, unless you are a Sustaining Star, in which case your membership never lapses!

How can I find out if my company matches gifts?

You can double or even triple your contribution to the ETV Endowment if your company has a matching gifts program. View the complete list or type in your company's name on our donation form to see if it is a partner. 

If you're mailing a donation, please obtain a matching gift form from your personnel office, complete your portion and mail it with your donation to this address: 

ETV Endowment of South Carolina 
401 E. Kennedy Street 
Suite B-1 
Spartanburg, SC 29302

My employer doesn't currently offer a matching gift program. How can I express interest in starting one?

Even if your company doesn’t offer matching gifts yet, you can still help make it happen! 

Email us to let us know, and we’ll take it from there — including reaching out to your employer to explore the possibility of a matching gift program.

How can I update my credit card information?

Thanks for being a Sustaining Star! 

Click here to update your credit card information.

How can I increase my monthly donation?

Thanks for being a Sustaining Star! 

Click here to increase your monthly donation.

How do I cancel my membership?

We're sorry to see you go! Please fill out the short form linked below and an ETV Endowment representative will be in touch with you shortly.

Cancel Membership

Membership Benefits
When will I get my thank-you gift?

Your gift will be sent within four to six weeks of your donation. If demand for a particular item is very high, we may need to reorder or substitute a similar gift. If you have not received your gift after six weeks, please contact our office to check the status. 

If you choose to give as a Sustaining Star, your thank-you gift will be ordered after your second donation is received. Please allow four to six weeks after that time for delivery.

I am moving; may I change the address for my SCENE magazine?

Yes! Please give us six weeks' notice and be sure to identify your new and old mailing addresses in your correspondence. You may call 877-253-2092email us or log in to our Member Portal to change your address.

I'm receiving duplicate mailings. What should I do?

If you are receiving duplicate mailings, email us or call 877-253-2092.

How can I be removed from the mailing list?

The ETV Endowment of SC does not sell, rent, barter, share or exchange its mailing list so your name will only be used for ETV Endowment membership purposes. However, if you wish to have your name removed from our mailing list, email us or call 877-253-2092.

Passport
How do I create a PBS account?

Find more information about creating a PBS account at PBS Help.

How do I sign into the PBS App?

Find more information about signing into the PBS App at PBS Help.

How do I get started with PBS Passport?

Find more information about getting started with PBS Passport at PBS Help.

How do I activate PBS Passport?

Find more information about activating PBS Passport at PBS Help.

How do I check my Passport status?

Find more information about checking your Passport status at PBS Help.

How do I watch Passport videos online?

Find more information about watching Passport videos online at PBS Help.

What shows are available with PBS Passport?

Find more information about shows available through PBS Passport at PBS Help.

Why does it say this video is only available to members with Passport even though I'm signed in?

Find more information about this at PBS Help.

Can I Watch PBS Passport on my LG TV?

Find more information about watching PBS Passport on your LG TV at PBS Help.

What is SCETV Passport?

SCETV Passport is a member benefit, which provides ETV Endowment members extended on-demand access to a rich library of quality television programming online and via mobile devices. This is one of many benefits that the ETV Endowment provides its members along with the SCENE program guide and the ETV Endowment MemberCard. 

As more and more people watch television content on-demand as well as on computers and digital devices, SCETV Passport gives ETV Endowment members another way to enjoy extended access to PBS and SCETV content on platforms, including computers, smartphones and tablets.

Will there still be free streaming with SCETV.org and PBS.org?

PBS and SCETV programs will continue to be available for free for a limited time on various digital platforms, including SCETV.org, PBS.org, the SCETV mobile app, the PBS mobile app and PBS channels on Roku, Apple TV and other streaming services. SCETV Passport provides extended access to a rich library of programming for ETV Endowment members to enjoy.

Certain programs, including those for children, news and public affairs, will always be accessible to everyone.

I can't afford to donate right now. Is there a way for me to view Passport content?

All broadcast programs remain available to all viewers on air per our broadcast schedule and will remain online and on mobile for at least two weeks. In some cases, they may even be available for a longer time period.

How can I get additional help setting up my device?

SCETV Passport works on a variety of devices and a variety of platforms, from Amazon and Apple TV to Chromecast and beyond. Explore support solutions to get the answers you need to access your favorite programs.

How do I cancel my account?

We're sorry to see you go! Please fill out the short form linked below and an ETV Endowment representative will be in touch with you shortly. 

Cancel SCETV Passport Membership

Planned Giving
What is a charitable gift annuity application and where can I find it?

Completing the charitable gift annuity application allow the ETV Endowment of SC to prepare an annuity illustration just for you. The personalized illustration will show the amount of annuity payments you would receive and the tax benefits available to you. The information you provide does not obligate you, in any way, to contribute to a charitable gift annuity.

Download the Charitable Gift Annuity Inquiry Application.

What is a Statement of Intent and where can I get one?

The Statement of Intent allows you to specify how any bequests should be used. It is intended to aid the ETV Endowment in implementing your wishes, recognizing our donors and planning for future organizational needs.

You can download the Planned Gift Statement of Intent here.

Ways to Give
What tax deduction do I receive when donating property?

Real estate donations are based on the full appraised value, not the sale price. Capital gain tax may also be avoided (excluding the mortgaged portion or cash received). The deduction can be carried forward up to five years following the year of sale.

In most cases, you may deduct the difference between the cash received and the fair market value based on an appraisal specifically completed to assess the value based on IRS gift appraisal guidelines. You may not deduct proceeds that were applied to pay off mortgages or back real estate taxes.

What is the deadline for making an IRA rollover gift?

Gift must be received by December 31st for donors to realize the full benefits in the current tax year.

Can you accept real estate with a mortgage balance?

Yes, the ETV Endowment will resell the property with its national auction partner and the proceeds of the auction sale will pay off the mortgage balance first, with the remainder going to the ETV Endowment (after normal closing costs such as escrow, title fees, transfer tax, real estate commissions, etc.). Prior to the auction we will determine if the likely value exceeds the mortgage balance and we may have to reject any asset that does not have sufficient equity to result in cash proceeds to the ETV Endowment.

What information do I need to include if I'm giving a gift through my IRA?

When making a donation through your IRA, please request that your financial institution include your name, address and Member ID with the check that is mailed to the Endowment.

Can I give a portion of the equity to the ETV Endowment, or do I have to donate it all?

If your property has a high value, you may elect to donate a portion of the equity to the ETV Endowment (falling under a Bargain Sale - IRS Section 170).

Where do I mail my IRA rollover gift?

When making a donation through your IRA, please mail the donation to the ETV Endowment at the address below:

ETV Endowment
401 East Kennedy Street, Suite B-1
Spartanburg, SC 29302

Why does the ETV Endowment accept cryptocurrency?

Crypto philanthropy is a new and exciting fundraising avenue for nonprofit organizations like the ETV Endowment. With more than 220 million users worldwide and the value of many cryptocurrencies rising, the cryptocurrency community is in a position to make a wide-reaching impact through philanthropy. Donating cryptocurrency is also one of the most tax-efficient ways to support programming that matters to you.

What is the IRA Charitable Rollover?

The IRA Charitable Rollover allows donors to make “qualified charitable distributions” directly from a retirement plan. Gifts up to $100,000 are excluded from federal income. For couples filing a joint tax return, each spouse can exclude up to $100,000 for a maximum of $200,000 each year.

Which cryptocurrencies does the ETV Endowment accept?

We currently accept more than 100 cryptocurrencies, including:

  • Bitcoin (BTC)
  • Ethereum (ETH)
  • Aave (AAVE)
  • Alchemix (ALCX)
  • Amp (AMP)
  • Ankr Network (ANKR)
  • ApeCOIN (APE)  
  • API3 (API3)
  • Axie Infinity Shards (AXS)
  • Audius (AUDIO)
  • Balancer (BAL)
  • Bancor Network Token (BNT)
  • BarnBridge (BOND)
  • Basic Attention Token (BAT)
  • Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
  • ChainLink (LINK)
  • Civic (CVC)
  • Compound (COMP)
  • Curve (CRV)
  • Dai (DAI)
  • Decentraland (MANA)
  • DeFI Pulse Index (DPI)
  • Dogecoin (DOGE)
  • Dogelon Mars (ELON)
  • Enjin Coin (ENJ)
  • Ethereum Name Service (ENS)
  • Fantom (FTM)
  • Fetch AI (FET)
  • Filecoin (FIL)
  • Gala (GALA)
  • Gemini Dollar (GUSD)
  • Injective Protocol (INJ)
  • Keep3r (KP3R)
  • Kyber Network (KNC)
  • Lido (LDO)
  • Liquity (LQTY)
  • Liquity USD (LUSD)
  • Litecoin (LTC)
  • Livepeer (LPT)
  • Loopring (LRC)
  • Magic Internet Money (MIM)
  • Maker (MKR)
  • Maple Finance (MPL)
  • Mask Network (MASK)
  • Merit Circle (MC)
  • Mirror Protocol (MIR)
  • Moss Carbon Credit (MCO2)
  • Numeraire (NMR)
  • Orchid (OXT)
  • PAX Gold (PAXG)
  • Polygon-ERC20 (MATIC)
  • Quant (QNT)
  • Radicle Rally (RLY)
  • Raydium (RAY)
  • Radicle (RAD)
  • Ren (REN)
  • Render Token (RNDR)
  • Saber (SBR)
  • Shiba Inu (SHIB)
  • Skale (SKL)
  • Smooth Love Potion (SLP)
  • Solana (SOL)
  • Somnium Space (CUBE)
  • Spell Token (SPELL)
  • Storj (STORJ)
  • SushiSwap (SUSHI)
  • Synthetix (SNX)
  • Tezos (XTZ)
  • The Graph (GRT)
  • The Sandbox (SAND)
  • UMA (UMA)
  • Uniswap (UNI)
  • USD Coin (USDC)
  • Wrapped Centrifuge (wCFG)
  • Yearn.Finance (YFI)
  • Zcash (ZEC)
  • 0x (ZRX)
  • 1inch (1INCH)

We are continually in the process of adding support for new cryptocurrencies, so please check back soon for more giving options.

If you don’t see a cryptocurrency you would like to donate in, please fill out this form to be connected with our crypto philanthropy partners at The Giving Block.

What is a "qualified charitable distribution"?

You are making a qualified charitable distribution if:

  • You are at least 70½ years old at the time the distribution is made.
  • The distribution is made from either a Traditional or Roth IRA.
  • The distribution is made to a qualified charitable organization, like the ETV Endowment of South Carolina, Inc.
Is my donation tax-deductible?

Yes! Cryptocurrency donations are one of the most tax-efficient ways to give to the ETV Endowment. Your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law if you pay taxes in the U.S. By making a charitable gift, you may also be eligible to reduce what you would otherwise owe in capital gains taxes.

As with any tax-related questions, be sure to consult with a qualified, professional tax advisor who is knowledgeable in cryptocurrency and your specific financial position. Get more information about lowering your cryptocurrency taxes.

Will this distribution (also referred to as an IRA rollover gift) count towards my required minimum distribution ("RMD")?

Yes. The IRA rollover gift will count towards a donor’s yearly RMD.

What if I sent the wrong cryptocurrency?

Since cryptocurrency donations are immediately converted into U.S. dollars, all donations made via The Giving Block are final. We are not able to give refunds if you change your mind or sent the wrong cryptocurrency.

The Giving Block does not, has not and will never offer any form of cryptocurrency airdrop, goods or services in return for a donation. 

What type of donors may benefit from an IRA rollover gift?
  • Donors who do not itemize or claim a deduction for their charitable contributions.
  • Donors who itemize but are unable to deduct fully their current year contributions.
  • Donors who normally use withdrawn funds to make charitable gifts that are not fully deductible.
  • Donors who are bumped into a higher tax bracket and phased out of certain deductions and credits once their annual distributions are reported as income.
Is donating real estate easy?

Yes! Our partner, Giving Property, powered by CARS,  has a national real estate auction platform and partners with a national title company so we can quickly vet assets and convert them to cash without the ETV Endowment ever having to own or operate the asset. Also, using the IRS Bargain Sale, the ETV Endowment can accept real estate with mortgage debt and high-value assets with a portion of the equity going to the ETV Endowment and a portion in cash to the donor.

Can I claim a charitable deduction for an IRA rollover gift?

No. Donors receive a financial benefit by being allowed to exclude up to $100,000 of
the charitable distribution from income on the federal return. To allow a charitable deduction would result in a double benefit.

What types of real estate can be donated?

Any type of property that has positive equity, clear title and no environmental issues may be donated. Common property types are land, second homes, rental property, commercial real estate and estates. We do not accept timeshares or mobile homes.

Are there any restrictions on the use of an IRA rollover gift?

Yes. Although a charitable deduction is not allowed, the entire distribution to the ETV Endowment of South Carolina must meet the same requirements as a fully deductible charitable contribution. As such, no benefits can be received in exchange for the rollover gift. For example, the gift cannot be used to purchase tickets to special events or to fund a life-income arrangement such as a charitable gift annuity.

How long does it take to complete a real estate donation?

Most donated properties will be completed within 90 days, and some as quickly as 14 days.

What is the process for making an IRA rollover gift?

The process is simple. A donor will need to contact his or her plan administrator and request a Qualified Charitable Distribution, or QCD, be made directly to the ETV Endowment of South Carolina, Inc. If the donor first receives the distribution and then makes a gift of the funds, the contribution will not count as a qualified charitable distribution. The donor will have to report the distribution as income. In some cases, the donor may be able to claim a charitable deduction for the amount of the gift.

Another option for making a QCD is through an IRA checkbook, provided by the financial institution. Instead of requesting a transfer from the IRA custodian, the account holder writes a check to the charity from the IRA checkbook.