How to Apply

InterAction has two membership categories: Members and Associate Members. All members must be exempt from taxation under Section 501 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, their missions must be consistent with InterAction's mission, and they are required to pay established annual dues.

Membership applications and related materials may be submitted at any time. Applications are reviewed by staff and the Membership and Standards Committee of InterAction's Board of Directors [1] once each quarter according to the calendar below [2]. Applications approved for consideration are then presented for a vote during the next board meeting. This process may take as long as three months.

Members: Have full voting rights in InterAction and are eligible to participate in all activities.

A full description of the InterAction membership application process can be found in the Joining InterAction brochure [3]. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements [4] established by InterAction members and the board of directors. The Membership Application Form [5] must be accompanied by a set of required materials [6] related to the applying organization's governance and legal status as well as three letters of recommendation from current InterAction members. Applicants are notified of their membership status one week after the next quarterly board meeting. Member dues [7] are prorated in the first year, based on when the membership application was accepted.

Associate Members:  Are eligible to participate in most activities, but do not have voting rights. These organizations share InterAction's values of partnership, humanitarianism, sustainable development, justice, diversity, ethical practice, and gender equity, but are not solely focused on these issues. Associate Members pay dues substantially less than Regular Members on a sliding scale based on the organization’s total expenses.

The following types of institutions are eligible to apply for Associate Membership:

• academic institutions with development or humanitarian programs

• think tanks interested in foreign assistance
• religious institutions that advocate for humanitarian and development issues
• foundations that fund relief and development organizations

Associate category applicants must  meet associate member eligibility requirements [4] established by InterAction members and the Board of Directors. The Associate Membership Application Form [8] must be accompanied by a set of associate member required materials [9] related to the applying organization's governance and legal status as well as three letters of recommendation from current InterAction members. Applicants are notified of their membership status one week after the next quarterly board meeting. Associate member dues [10] are prorated in the first year, based on when the membership applications was accepted.

Questions about the InterAction membership application process should be directed to Taina Alexander [11] in the Membership and Standards office.

Required Membership Application Materials

• A completed Member application form [5]
• A copy of your organization’s bylaws
• Articles of Incorporation
• IRS Letter of Tax-Exempt Status
• Current year’s budget as approved by your organization's board of directors
• A signed copy of the PVO Standards Review Form [12]
• Letters of recommendation for membership written by three InterAction member CEOs, on their letterhead
• Your most recent annual report
• Your most recent audited financial statements

Required Associate Membership Application Materials

• A completed Associate Member application form [8]
• A copy of your organization’s bylaws or other governance document
• Articles of Incorporation
• IRS Letter of Tax-Exempt Status
• Most recent annual report
• A signed copy of  the Associate Member PVO Standards Review Form [13]
• Most recent audited financial report
• Current year’s budget as approved by the highest governing body
• Letters of recommendation for membership written by three InterAction member CEOs, on their letterhead

Annual reports, audited financial statements and the original letters of recommendation must be sent in hard copy to:

All other materials may be sent via email to Taina Alexander [11]or may accompany the hard copy items.

2012 Application Schedule