Inspired by decades of viewing, Linda Smith funds match challenges and uses IRA giving to ensure Nebraska Public Media’s impact continues.
Linda and Del Smith raised four sons in Lincoln. Growing up, they all got an early education from Sesame Street, but the family also enjoyed music specials and talked a lot about the news they watched on Nebraska Public Media.
“Their teachers at Zeman Elementary all asked, ‘How do they all know so much about current events?’” said Linda.
She still watches PBS News Hour regularly and provided funding to support two matching challenges in 2024. “Today, it’s a trusted source of news in difficult times,” she explained.
Linda loves to cook, so she scribbles down recipes as she watches the Create channel and The Great American Recipe. Travel is another passion, so Rick Steves programs are favorites, as well as Husker sports and Backyard Farmer.
“We got to know many of the Backyard Farmer hosts. Their weekly garden and yard tips helped us on our acreage,” she said. Linda and Del have attended several events at the station, including the chance to see live episodes of Backyard Farmer and Big Red Wrap-Up.
“We got to see the new studio space and toured the big truck. It was interesting to walk through that,” she said.
In 2023, Linda took advantage of a popular gift option to support Nebraska Public Media. She directed a portion of her Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to the network. This Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) allows donors to avoid paying federal income taxes on the amount distributed, while also supporting programs they care about.
“This is especially important now with the federal funding challenges,” she said. “We would like to see public media continue for our great-grandchildren.”
As Linda and Del get older, they know it will become more difficult to travel. “We are both in our 70s and it is important that we still have access to the many wonderful cooking, travel and entertainment programs from Nebraska Public Media. We can see the world through your programs,” she said.