Become A Member
Why Join?
Community Shares of Illinois:
- generates critically needed unrestricted support for member organizations.
- enhances public awareness of the valuable services provided by its member organizations.
- raises the level of individual philanthropy in communities across Illinois.
- works to give employees expanded choices in workplace giving programs.
- is a member-controlled and-operated federation. All member organizations designate a representative to cast votes on behalf of the organization, including the election of the Board of Directors.
Members receive funds in two ways:
- Funds designated to them by workplace giving donors via specific code numbers.
- Funds designated through the Sweat Equity Program. This program distributes undesignated funds according to how much work (sweat equity) the member contributes to Community Shares activities.
The Sweat Equity Program rewards organizations that do work on behalf of Community Shares such as:
- arranging a meeting at a new worksite
- making a presentation to employees in a workplace
- attending a quarterly member meeting
- serving on a committee
- participating in Community Shares fundraising activities
- promoting Community Shares of Illinois
- participating in a variety of other activities
with an emphasis on:
- building and strengthening the organization
- expanding workplace giving programs
How to Join
Community Shares of Illinois accepts applications from non-profit organizations that enhance our mission.
Organizations wishing to become members must:
- provide services in Illinois.
- have 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.
- be committed to equal employment opportunities and be in compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act.
- demonstrate fiscal soundness.
- not prohibit its employees from collective bargaining.
Download printable membership Application in Adobe Acrobat PDF format (21K). Download Adobe Reader 9 for free here.
Annual dues are calculated on a sliding fee schedule determined by the size of an organization's annual revenue (Line 12 from Form 990). Scale for membership dues, payable by March 31st:
If Annual Revenue Is: |
Member |
Below $100,000 |
$400 |
$100,000-$249,999 |
$550 |
$250,000-$499,999 |
$625 |
$500,000-$999,999 |
$800 |
Over $1,000,000 |
$975 |
For more information on becoming a member contact us at lmoses@cs-il.org.
Timeline
August 1 to November 1 – Applications accepted.
November 2 to December 31 – Application review and recommendation by Membership Committee.
Early to mid-January – Final decision by full membership.
End of January – Decision notification.
Early February – New member orientation.