Is your organization interested in Community Shares membership?
Membership Interest
Please continue to check this page for details about the next member application cycle. See the eligibility guidelines and the timeline below to get a head start on the process.
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Member Agency Responsibilities
- Be recognized by the IRS as a 501 c 3 organization for at least 12 months prior to May 1, 2010.
- Produce an annual report that is available to the public and contains: program information, financial information – including method of solicitation and use of contributions, and a list of chief administrative personnel and board of directors.
- File a 990 form with the IRS.
- Be able to provide compiled financial information on request such as an audit or profit and loss statement.
- Be governed by a board of directors with at least five non-related members.
- Have a physical location and a dedicated phone line.
In addition to these requirements, the Community Shares Membership Committee is seeking member agencies that demonstrate nonprofit excellence which can be measured by standards, including, but not limited to:
- Board has Strategic Plan in place
- Board governance includes Executive Director evaluation, Board evaluation, term limits
- Administrative systems include investment in technology and professional development and HR policies such as Whistleblower Policy
- Agency evaluates programs for effectiveness and adapts where necessary at least every two years
- Communication & Outreach plans include regular communication with donors through newsletters, eNewsletters, direct communication
New Member Application Process Timeline:
- April 1 – Letter of Interest available on website.
- May 1 – Letter of Interest due.
- June – Membership Committee reviews the Letters of Interest. Community Shares notifies those applicants who are asked to submit a full application.
- July – Full applications are reviewed. Select applicants are asked to move forward with interviews and a site visit.
- August – Site visits with applicants and Membership Committee.
- September – Membership Committee reviews full applications and site visit findings and makes recommendation for Board of Directors.
- November – Board of Directors votes on the slate of recommended new member agencies.
- December – Full membership votes on slate of recommended new member agencies.
- January – Membership with Community Shares of Colorado officially begins.
(All dates are approximate and subject to change from year to year)
Community Shares Member Agency Responsibilities:
All organizations must be prepared to meet the following requirements if accepted for membership:
- Agency Representative: Each member organization must appoint at least one person to serve as a representative to Community Shares. This representative is responsible for understanding the partnership between the member agency and Community Shares. It is the responsibility of the Agency Representative to instruct and prepare another representative to attend any meetings or presentations on behalf of the member agency.
- Marketing and Participation Units: Each member organization must participate in activities working toward the partnership with Community Shares such as attending trainings and annual meetings. Each agency must complete activities totaling at least fifteen (15) participation units each year and will be asked to self-report on these activities at the end of the calendar year. Examples of marketing participation may be found on the campaign resources page.
- New Business Development: Each member organization is expected to work to open new companies and participate in workplace giving campaigns at open worksites.
- Annual Meetings: Each member organization must have at least one representative attend two annual membership business meetings. The first to be held in May or June and the second in December.
- Trainings: Each member organization must have at least one participant attend a Campaign Presentation Training each year.
- Recertification: Each member organization must submit all paperwork for campaign application to the Community Shares office by stated deadlines. In addition, member must make every effort to ensue the materials are accurate and complete.
- Marketing: Each member organization is encouraged print “Community Shares of Colorado Member Agency” on stationery, newsletters, and other printed materials, and to add a link to the Community Shares of Colorado website at www.cshares.org. Additionally, each member organization should have extra Community Shares brochures at their offices.
- Membership Dues: Each agency must pay their membership dues in February of each year. For the first two years of membership, dues are based on the agency’s budget. For the third year and thereafter, dues are calculated on a graduated scale based on campaign revenue.
- Offer an internal workplace giving campaign: All member organizations with paid staff are expected to offer employees the opportunity to participate through payroll deduction in Community Shares annual fall workplace giving campaign.
- Be an internal ambassador: All member organization representatives are expected to ensure that their staff and board understand the principles of the partnership between CSC and their agency.
Contact
We encourage all potential applicants to continue to check this page for information. We can also be reached at (303) 861-7507 or yolanda@cshares.org.
