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Membership FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How do I become a member?

There are many ways to pledge your support of Alabama Public Radio.

  • You can use our secure server and pledge online by using the red "Join APR Now" button found at the top right corner of the web page.
  • You can call us at at 1-800-654-4262.
  • You can mail us a check or money order, along with your contact information, to the address found at the bottom of the web page.

Q: What is membership?

Public radio donors are known as members. Membership programs like APR's imply a subscriber relationship made on an annual basis. Your APR membership contribution is considered an annual gift, and your membership is valid for twelve months from the receipt of your contribution. For members on a monthly installment, membership is valid for twelve months after the receipt of your first installment. Any additional donations you may make to APR in the first nine months of your membership will be counted as Additional Gifts instead of a Membership Renewal.

Q: Is my membership contribution tax deductible?

Yes! If you requested a premium, however, the tax deductible portion of your donation will be decreased by the fair market value of the premium, as required by IRS law. Your tax receipt, mailed from the University of Alabama, will reflect the amount of your gift, the fair market value of any premiums you requested and the tax deductible portion of your gift. If you do not request a premium, 100% of your donation is tax deductible.

Q: What about premiums?

Some members who make contributions above certain levels request an item in return for a contribution. We call these items premiums. When and if you request a premium, please be patient. Fulfillment of your request can take up to eight weeks following the receipt of your contribution. To keep our costs as low as possible, we sometimes order gifts only after we determine what we need.

Q: Why does APR hold on-air membership drives?

Twice a year, APR takes to the airwaves with membership drives. During these drives, we invite our listeners to become more involved by becoming members. Listeners are the most reliable and most important source of support for APR and the public radio system. On-air membership campaigns are the most effective and immediate means of seeking new, community-wide support for APR and replacing those listeners who can no longer continue their annual support. We strive to make each fund drive as listener-friendly as possible and the drives are a vital part of our fund raising effort. The revenue from these drives allows us to continue to provide you with the programs you expect and enjoy during the other 49 weeks each year.

Q: How often does APR conduct on-air membership drives?

APR typically holds two on-air fund drives each year. The Spring Fund Drive is usually held in April and the Fall Fund Drive is usually held in October.

Q: Does APR share my information with others?

Alabama Public Radio does not sell or share membership lists with any organization or entity. WUAL, WHIL, and WQPR are owned by The University of Alabama, who also shares ownership in WAPR with Alabama State and Troy University. Because the University of Alabama prepares and mails the tax receipts, they will sometimes solicit APR members. If you do not wish to be contacted by U.A., please contact Jackie Howell at 1-800-654-4262.

Q: What benefits may I expect as a member?

The greatest benefit of becoming an Alabama Public Radio member is the satisfaction you will feel knowing that you are helping to ensure that quality radio programming that informs, inspires, and entertains is available for you and others throughout Alabama.

Q: How will I know when my membership is getting ready to end?

Because our members are the lifeblood of APR, we are systematic in our attempts to help you remember to continue your support of the station and its programs each year. You may expect to receive your first reminder for renewal in the ninth month after you become a member and once each month for the next five months or until we receive your renewal contribution. To avoid additional renewal mailings, please renew your membership early. Making your renewal gift early will not "shorten" your annual membership. Your renewal will simply extend your APR membership for another full year.

Q: How often will I be asked to contribute?

From time to time, APR offers special programs and explores new fundraising strategies. Because our members are extremely loyal and generous - and many of our members choose to make more than one contribution during the year - you may receive an additional gift appeal to coincide with events or fund drives. Please note that if you choose to make additional gifts during your membership year, such gifts should not affect your original membership expiration date and renewal reminder schedule.

Q: What is the best way to let APR know I do not want any additional gift requests?

Some APR members plan their annual gift and request only one contact to remind them to renew at the end of their annual membership. APR will do our best to honor your preferences. Simply let us know and we will note your request in your membership record. Your preference will remain in effect until you request that we change it. Simply call us at 1-800-654-4262.

Q: Can my business support APR?

Yes, if you own your own business, please consider a Business Membership. If you are employed by someone else, please check with your Human Resources department to see if your company has a matching gifts program. Many employers will match your gift to APR, sometimes doubling or tripling the impact of your donation. For more information, please read about our Matching Gifts Program.