Recruiting Tips
Member Get a Member program

Persuading colleagues who are nonprofit leaders to join Independent Sector is a great way to strengthen the coalition, enabling all of us to be more effective. The more organizations that take part in IS’s work, the greater the exchange of expertise and the greater our credibility with Congress and regulatory agencies like the Internal Revenue Service.

The best way to bring charities and foundations into our coalition is a direct appeal from the leader of a member organization, since you know the benefits of working with IS. Here are some questions -- and more important, some answers -- about how to get started in recruiting new members:

Whom should I encourage to join?

• Ask leaders of organizations you partner with, have worked with in the past, or whose boards you serve on -- people who know your work and will appreciate your opinion.
• All nonprofit, non-governmental organizations are eligible for membership, including public charities; private, operating, or community foundations; and corporate philanthropy programs.
• IS members span nonprofits of every interest and size. What we share is a commitment to working together to create a better world.

What should I tell them?

• Tell them why you are a member -- whether it’s our great networking opportunities, the registration discounts for our Annual Conference, our powerful advocacy, the daily updates on public policy and media, the information on the IS website, or other reasons. Be sure to mention the aspects of IS membership you think will be important to them.
• Describe why you believe the nonprofit community needs strong leadership, and that IS is uniquely placed to provide it.

Do you have information I can share with them?

• In the box above, you will find links to a brief description about IS, a member list, a membership application, recruitment tips, and talking points about IS membership.
• We will be happy to send you a packet of information on IS that you can hand it to your colleague. We are also happy to get the information directly to that person; all we need from you is his or her contact information.

How much are the membership dues?

• Dues amounts are scaled to be affordable for any size organization.
• There is a dues schedule on the second page of the membership application. If you or a colleague needs assistance in determining dues, please call the membership department at 202-467-6161.

Other questions we haven’t answered here?
Call the membership department at 202-467-6161. We will be happy to help in any way we can.