WINDOW TO THE WORLD COMMUNICATIONS, INC. RECEIVES GIFT FROM THE NEGAUNEE FOUNDATION

Window to the World Communications (WWCI) announced a transformational $21 million gift from The Negaunee Foundation. The largest single gift in the organization's history, this commitment over five years will support original programming, technology and infrastructure improvements, endowment growth, operating support, and a new planned giving match designed to strengthen the future of public media in Chicago. The gift builds on nearly four decades of support from Negaunee, one of WWCI’s most dedicated partners.

"This extraordinary gift from Negaunee is an investment in the future of public media," said Sandra Cordova Micek, President and CEO of Window to the World Communications, Inc. "The Foundation has helped shape some of our most successful educational, storytelling, and music programming initiatives. Its generosity will ensure that WTTW and WFMT continue to produce and present award-winning documentary programming, and meaningful arts and educational programming experiences for generations to come."

The $21 million commitment includes support for:

• original programming, including established and new cultural and history-focused productions;
• facility, technology, and infrastructure investments;
• growth of the endowment;
• core operating support; and
• a Legacy Match to encourage participation in the Newt Minow Legacy Circle.

Negaunee’s support reflects its commitment to ensuring that public media and classical music remain accessible to communities throughout the Chicago region and is rooted in the principle that community-supported media is also community-serving. 

“The Negaunee Foundation serves as a model of leadership and generosity that inspires us all,” said Cary McMillan, Chair of the WWCI Board of Trustees. “Its confidence in the people behind the mission is evident through its sustained investments over time.”

Founded in 1987, The Negaunee Foundation is guided by a mission “to help people cope with an unjust world through music education and performance.” The Foundation helped launch WFMT's Introductions, the station's long-running program featuring talented pre-college classical musicians from across the Chicago region. Negaunee has also been a champion of Bach to School, WFMT's free music donation program that helps schools connect students with classical music and music education resources.

Negaunee has also played a pivotal role in the development of WTTW original programming. Through early leadership investments, it has helped bring more than 35 productions to life, including Chicago Stories, Prehistoric Road Trip, 10 That Changed America, and numerous Geoffrey Baer specials. The Foundation’s support has provided critical seed funding for projects that have gone on to earn regional and national recognition while advancing WTTW's mission.

Window To The World Communications, Inc. is the parent organization of WTTW and WFMT. WTTW is the PBS member station in Chicago, committed to creating and presenting unique media content across distinct television and digital channels – WTTW, WTTW Prime, WTTW Create, WTTW PBS Kids 24/7, wttw.com, and the PBS/WTTW video app. Recognized for award-winning journalism and local productions – including Chicago Stories, Chicago Tonight, and Touring Chicago’s Lakefront with Geoffrey Baer – WTTW presents the very best in public affairs, arts and culture, nature and science, history and documentary, and children’s public media content. Connect with WTTW on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube. WFMT is one of the world’s most respected classical music radio stations, accessible via broadcast at 98.7FM, streaming live at wfmt.com, and on the WFMT app. Recognized for trusted hosted programming, immersive live performances and concerts, strong partnerships with community organizations and championing young, local musicians and access to the arts, WFMT spotlights inspiring music, musicians, and musical performances from Chicago and around the world including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Sinfonietta, Lyric Opera of Chicago, the New York Philharmonic, and many more. Connect with WFMT on Facebook and X.