Membership FAQ
Which membership category is right for my organization?
See About Membership for information about each of our membership categories.
How do I join if my program/department is a division of a larger, parent institution?
The Guild’s network includes a robust network of both Full members and Education Affiliates who are divisions of a larger, parent institutions (e.g. a performing arts organization’s education department, a university’s preparatory division, etc.). Annual dues are based on the annual operating expenses for your arts education division only, not that of your parent institution.
What if we are waiting for our 501(c)3 application to be approved?
If you have not yet received 501(c)3 status but intend to apply or are waiting for approval, you are invited to join the Guild as an Education Affiliate. Once you receive your IRS letter of determination, you may then upgrade to Full membership.
Can my arts organization join as a Business Affiliate?
Business Affiliate membership is designed for companies and associations that have products and services of interest to the community arts education market. If your goal is to market your organization’s professional development seminar, summer camp or degree program, for example, than Business Affiliate membership might be the right fit for you. For comprehensive access to our information resources (e.g. Resource Center, Member Center) and professional development and networking opportunities (e.g. advanced search Member Directory, etc.) Full or Education Affiliate membership would be a more appropriate category.
What are the benefits?
Note: Member benefits will look a bit different while the Guild is in the Portal. Learn more here.
Full members and Education Affiliates share similar benefits in terms of information resources, networking and professional development opportunities and advocacy. However only Full members are eligible for periodic funding opportunities and can exercise a corporate vote; full members also receive 50% off their first conference registration when they join the Guild.
Who at my organization can receive benefits?
Full and Education Affiliate membership benefits are open to all staff, faculty, trustees, and teaching artists at our member organizations.
How are annual dues calculated?
Note: a "Pay what you can" option is available to all members with annual budgets under $300K, as well as all members whose ability to pay has been impacted by the pandemic, regardless of which annual budget category your organization falls into.
Full Member and Education Affiliate dues are calculated based on organizational or divisional budget size. Dues are 0.075% of your annual budget (rounded to nearest $10), up to a cap of $2,500. Organizations with annual budgets under $300,000 have the option to “pay what you can”.
For divisions of organizations, universities and agencies:
Annual dues are based on the annual operating expenses for your arts education division only, not that of your parent organization.
What are my payment options?
Full and partial payment options are available.
Payment is due upon receipt of your membership application. You may pay by check, money order or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover).
Partial payments may be scheduled for two or four installments. To arrange a partial payment, email membership@nationalguild.org. The first partial payment is due upon receipt of your membership application.
When will I receive my login information to members-only online resources?
Please allow us one week to process your membership application and email you your individual username and password. Login information will be sent directly to each individual at your organization who was listed on your membership application to receive benefits.
When will I receive my membership packet in the mail?
Your membership packet will be mailed to you within two weeks of receipt of your application.
Your login information will be emailed to you separately. You can expect to receive your username and password, and begin using our online resources, within a week of receipt of your application.
Business Affiliate Membership
Who is individual membership best suited for?
Individual Affiliate membership is best suited for professionals who are not affiliated with an institution, individuals who may be affiliated with multiple institutions (e.g. teaching artists), and students.
Can my organization join as an Individual Affiliate?
No, individual membership is for individuals only. Individuals who join will be listed by their personal names not their organizational affiliation. While Individual Affiliates have access to GuildNotes and Member Update emails, among other benefits, they do not have the same comprehensive access to our information resources and professional development and networking opportunities as our Full members and Education Affiliates.