What qualifies businesses for membership in The Giving Institute?
To qualify for membership in The Giving Institute a business must meet the following criteria:
- Is a for-profit business or affiliate of a for-profit business
- Has been in business with nonprofit organizations for at least three years
- Does business primarily with nonprofit organizations (90% or more of revenues should come from nonprofit clients/customers)
- Charges fees based on services provided, not on a percentage of funds raised
- Discloses to clients as needed when the business profits, directly or indirectly, from materials or services billed to the client by a third party
- Does not offer or provide services of professional solicitors
- Receives satisfactory references from recent clients/customers (via a survey The Giving Institute will email to references provided by you)
In addition, a member firm must agree to conform to the Bylaws of The Giving Institute and conduct its business in accordance with The Giving Institute’s Ethical Principles.
How will my business benefit from being a member of The Giving Institute?
Members of The Giving Institute benefit from:
- Networking and mentoring with like-minded peers
- Accessing educational programming and resources on a range of business-oriented, thought leadership, and client services topics
- Gaining insider access to cutting edge research, including the annual Giving USA report, conducted by Giving USA Foundation
- Belonging to a community of thought leaders and business owners who share a commitment to community, excellence, and diversity and inclusion
- Aligning their brand with standard-setting ethical principles in the field of consulting with nonprofit organizations
- Listing of the business on The Giving Institute website, and inclusion in an online, searchable directory
- Staying aware of and influencing legislative and regulatory proposals that affect charitable giving, consulting, and related issues
- Upholding values and practices that ensure the field of consulting is welcoming, diverse, equitable, and representative
Benefits of membership extend to the entire team of a member firm, not just to the owners/leaders. Together, the members of The Giving Institute develop extraordinary leaders dedicated to stimulating and amplifying generosity.
The current membership of the Giving Institute includes businesses that consult on fundraising, communications, and data analytics; that provide executive search services; and that provide and consult on technology solutions – all with and for nonprofit organization.
Membership Approval Process
- All membership applications will be reviewed by The Giving Institute’s Membership Committee and Board of Directors. After completing an online application, the applicant must also submit a list of clients served within the past year (no more than 25), including name and contact information for each client. These clients will then receive a short survey to comment on their experience working with the applicant firm. After reviewing the comments received from clients, the membership application will be submitted to The Giving Institute Board of Directors for a vote.
How do I join The Giving Institute?
Thank you for your interest in joining The Giving Institute! The membership application process takes approximately three months and begins once you submit your online application here.
Annual membership dues are $5,000, which can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually.
To speak with a member of our team, please email info@givinginstitute.org or call 312.981.6794. We look forward to hearing from you!
Membership Application Process
- Submit Your Application
Apply for membership online here. Applicant must also submit a list of up to 25 clients served in the past year. - Voting Director Comments
The entire Giving Institute Board of Directors reviews the submitted application and is given the opportunity to submit any comments or concerns. - Past Client Surveys
After the initial comment period ends, representatives from the membership committee will survey past clients at random. - Membership Committee Vote
The Membership Committee reviews the aplication, comments, and client surveys. Then, the Membership Committee votes to approve the new member and recommend them for membership to the Giving Institute Executive Committee. - Executive Committee Final Vote
After referral from the membership committee, the executive committee will hold a final vote to approve or deny membership. - New Member Approval
Giving Institute staff notifies the new member of their membership acceptance and begins on-boarding process.
Fundraising consulting and nonprofit services firms interested in joining must meet the qualifications for membership.
FILL OUT A MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION TODAY!
