Clars Auctions and KQED launch donation program for valuables

Clars Auctions and KQED have teamed up in Oakland to let donors turn antiques, fine art, jewelry and collectibles into support for Northern California public media. The program routes auction net proceeds, after a 10% fee, to KQED and accepts items with a minimum estimated value of $400.

Why it matters: - The partnership gives KQED supporters a new way to fund local public media without writing a cash check. - Donors can convert inherited or underused valuables into support for journalism, radio, television and education programming. - The program may appeal to collectors and families looking to part with meaningful objects while keeping the value tied to a community mission.

What happened: - Clars Auctions and KQED launched a charitable giving initiative in Oakland on Nov. 5, 2026. - The program lets donors contribute antiques, fine art, jewelry and other collectibles through Clars Auctions. - KQED donors can request a valuation through an interest form on KQED’s website and connect with a Clars specialist. - Clars evaluates eligible items, provides an auction estimate and recommends a sale process. - Donors choose whether to proceed after reviewing the valuation and proposed consignment.

The details: - Once a donated item sells, the net proceeds, after Clars Auctions’ 10% fee, go to KQED as a charitable cash gift. - Donors receive a charitable gift acknowledgment from KQED. - The program accepts antiques, fine art, jewelry and other collectible property. - Items must have a minimum estimated value of $400 each to qualify. - The program information and valuation request form are available at more information. - Questions go to KQED’s Signal Society team at 415-553-2222 or signalsociety@kqed.org, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Between the lines: - KQED depends on community contributions and other funding to sustain its nonprofit public media work. - The partnership turns Clars Auctions’ appraisal and sale expertise into a fundraising channel for a mission-driven media organization. - The offer also creates a tax-deductible-style giving path for donors who prefer giving assets instead of cash, subject to applicable rules.

What's next: - Interested donors can submit items for review and decide whether to consign them for auction. - KQED and Clars Auctions are likely to continue promoting the program to collectors and owners of family heirlooms. - The success of the initiative will depend on how many high-value items donors bring forward and how well they sell at auction.

The bottom line: - Clars Auctions and KQED are trying to unlock charitable value from personal treasures, giving donors a practical way to support public media through the auction market.