Riverton, Wyo. – As Wyoming PBS celebrates its ongoing commitment to statewide storytelling, the Foundation has received a generous $500,000 challenge grant from the Hughes Charitable Foundation to establish the Legacy of the West Endowment.
This gift will be matched by a $500,000 commitment from the Wyoming PBS Foundation’s reserves, with a goal to raise an additional $500,000 from supporters. Together, this creates a powerful 2:1 matching opportunity where every dollar donated by supporters becomes three dollars for the endowment.
“At the Hughes Charitable Foundation, we believe in the power of storytelling to educate, connect, and inspire communities across Wyoming,” says Molly Hughes, Executive Director of the Hughes Charitable Foundation. “Wyoming PBS has been a steadfast and trusted voice in sharing the diverse stories, history, and values of our great state. We are honored to support the creation of this endowment, which will help ensure that Wyoming PBS continues to thrive for generations to come. This investment is not just in public broadcasting—it’s in the future of Wyoming’s cultural and educational landscape.”
How the 2:1 Match Works:
● Hughes Charitable Foundation: $500,000 challenge grant
● Wyoming PBS Foundation: $500,000 matching commitment from reserves
● Public donations needed: $500,000 by June 30, 2026
● Total endowment created: $1.5 million
The Legacy of the West Endowment will provide a stable, perpetual source of funding for Wyoming PBS’s core initiatives, including local productions, community events, outreach, and educational initiatives. The fund is designed to serve as a cornerstone for planned gifts, named endowments, and legacy contributions.
“This grant from the Hughes Charitable Foundation is a game-changer for Wyoming PBS,” says Joanna Kail, CEO of Wyoming PBS. “Combined with our Foundation’s matching commitment, it creates an incredible opportunity for our supporters to triple their impact. Every $100 donation becomes $300, every $1,000 becomes $3,000. It provides a crucial starting point for an endowment that will enable us to continue delivering exceptional programs and services to the people of Wyoming for many years to come.
“With the recent rescission of federal funding for public broadcasting, this investment helps us build the financial independence we need for the future,” Kail adds. “We are incredibly grateful for the Hughes Charitable Foundation’s commitment to our mission and their belief in Wyoming PBS.”
Gifts to the Legacy of the West Endowment provide an opportunity for donors to create named endowments within the general endowment. Donors who include the Wyoming PBS Foundation in their estate plans will be honored as members of the Wyoming Legacy Circle, a distinguished group of supporters committed to sustaining the station’s mission for future generations. Planned gift commitments count toward the matching campaign.
For more information about this endowment, planned giving, or other ways to support Wyoming PBS, please contact WY PBS Foundation Executive Director Judd Rogers at judd@wyomingpbs.org or (307) 855-2367.
“Together, we will ensure that Wyoming’s stories are told, its heritage is celebrated, and its future generations are empowered through the power of storytelling,” says Rogers.
About the Wyoming PBS Foundation: The Wyoming PBS Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Wyoming PBS in its mission to educate, inform, and inspire the people of Wyoming through quality programming and community engagement.
About the Hughes Charitable Foundation: The Hughes Charitable Foundation is a philanthropic organization committed to supporting organizations that are directly helping those across the state who need it most.
