Corporate Membership.

GUIDE TO CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP

Do you know a local professional who wants to be part of Rotary, but is worried about having enough time? Do you want to establish a connection or partnership with an area business or corporation? If the answer is yes, corporate memberships might be an option for your club.

WHAT IS A CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP?

A corporate membership allows Rotary clubs to involve a corporation — or any business, nonprofit, or government entity — in Rotary by offering an alternative membership package to some of its employees. Having corporate members increases the club’s membership while expanding its network and visibility in the community. Members gain access to the fellowship and service opportunities of Rotary with the possibility of a much smaller time commitment.

WHY OFFER CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP?

Offering this membership type may provide advantages for both clubs and the local corporations or businesses involved. Here are some benefits of corporate membership:

WHAT’S THE ADVANTAGE	WHAT’S THE ADVANTAGE
TO YOUR CLUB?	TO THE CORPORATION?
Attracts new members who might	Reduces the time commitment of any one
otherwise be unable or reluctant to join	member by allowing employees to attend
	meetings or events on each other’s behalf
Boosts your club’s profile by attracting new	Elevates the corporation’s image in the
corporate leaders	community as a partner in service and a
	business committed to corporate social
	responsibility
Diversifies your club’s skills and expertise,	Offers workers the chance to develop and
expanding its potential for doing good,	apply leadership and professional skills
and brings in new ideas to keep current	such as project management, training, and
members engaged	public speaking
Creates new partnerships in the community	Gives corporate members access to Rotary’s
that can be used to address big challenges	global network of 1.2 million volunteers
	and the opportunity to network while
	traveling
Increases the resources and capacity for	Emphasizes a commitment to serving others
service, which raises awareness in the	as part of the corporate culture, something
community	workers will appreciate

Offering corporate memberships is not a quick fix to gain more members. If your club isn’t attracting local professionals, or you’ve gotten feedback that your club experience isn’t relevant to prospective members, update your club practices and program before inviting guests. The

Rotary Club Health Check can help you identify problem areas and find solutions.

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HOW DOES CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP WORK?

Your club can define corporate membership however it chooses, as long as you document in your club bylaws how the expectations and benefits of this membership type differs from traditional membership. Corporate membership involves an agreement with a business, which then pays for or subsidizes the dues for employees who have this kind of membership. Remember that the corporation itself cannot be a club member — only people can be members of a Rotary club. The club offers corporate membership to individuals based on their employment at a corporation or other entity. Appendix 1, Corporate Membership: Making the Offer, can help you present the opportunity to business leaders in your community.

Two examples of how clubs can implement corporate membership are shown below. Refer to the Sample Corporate Membership Bylaws in appendix 2 to see how each of these models can be documented in your club bylaws.

Your club can use one of these models or adapt them to fit your club and community’s needs.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CORPORATE MEMBER LEAVES THE CORPORATION?

If the individual isn’t leaving the community, the club is encouraged to offer him/her an individual membership.

	MODEL A	MODEL B
Who pays the corporate members’	A company pays or subsidizes dues for the	The club charges a company a flat rate for
dues?	primary member. Dues are not charged for	a certain number of corporate members
	alternate members (often 1-3 others) who	(often 3-5) and all may regularly attend the
	can attend club meetings in place of the	club’s meetings.
	primary member.
Who is counted in the club’s	Since the primary corporate member is	RI dues for all corporate members are
membership data?	charged RI dues, that person is reported as	included in the flat rate. All corporate
	the active member and listed on the club’s	members are full, active members of
	membership roster in Rotary’s database. The	the club and are listed on the club’s
	alternate members aren’t charged RI dues	membership roster in Rotary’s database.
	and are therefore not listed on the club’s
	membership roster in Rotary’s database.
How are corporate members chosen?	Many clubs ask for the corporate members	The number of corporate members is
	to be named and approved by the club	discussed and approved, and wrapped into
	before they can attend, but some don’t.	the flat rate.
What’s the benefit to this model?	It provides more flexibility to the primary	Club membership grows more significantly,
	member because that person isn’t required	the flatter structure simplifies the change,
	to attend every club meeting or event.	and all corporate members receive the same
	Alternate members are exposed to Rotary	benefits.
	but aren’t expected to attend all events.

Making changes to long-held

traditions can be hard in the

short term, but beneficial in the

long run. To learn more about

adapting to change, take the

Leading Change course in the

Learning Center.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CORPORATE AND TRADITIONAL MEMBERS?

This table shows some of the ways corporate membership differs from traditional membership.

	CORPORATE MEMBERS	TRADITIONAL MEMBERS
	(PRIMARY OR ALTERNATES)
Selecting and approving members	Corporate candidates should meet the	To be a Rotarian, you must be an adult who
	same membership requirements as any	demonstrates good character, integrity, and
	prospective club member. Your club can	leadership; has a good reputation within
	determine additional criteria, such as	your business or profession or community;
	working for a particular corporation or	and wants to do good in your own
	business that your club has an agreement	community or have an impact elsewhere in
	with.	the world.
Eligible to serve as club officer	Only members for whom RI dues are paid	Yes
	are reported to RI as active members and
	can be club officers.
Expected to follow attendance rules	Determined by the club	Determined by the club
Dues	May be charged a different amount for club	Pay club, district, and RI dues
	and district dues (as determined by clubs and
	districts). Depending on the model, one or
	more corporate members is charged RI dues.
	Alternate corporate members may not be
	charged dues, as determined by the club.
Counts in RI’s database and toward	Only those for whom RI dues are paid	Yes
club’s membership goals in the citation	are reported to RI as active members and
	count in RI’s database and toward the club’s
	membership goals in the citation.
Eligible to vote	Only those for whom RI dues are paid are	Yes
	reported to RI as active members and may
	vote.

Once you have corporate members, your traditional members may see a benefit to switching membership types. You can allow current members to convert to corporate membership, as long as they follow your club’s bylaws. If attendance is the reason for the switch, you may want to consider relaxing your club’s attendance requirements or meeting less frequently to create a club experience that better accommodates your members. Similarly, if corporate members leave the corporation, you are welcome to offer them traditional membership.

Make sure alternate members don’t feel slighted or overlooked because of their membership status — otherwise they may leave. Encourage existing members to show gratitude for the extra help all members bring to projects and events.

WHAT IS THE DUES STRUCTURE?

Clubs can decide on the club dues they charge corporate members, and whether it’s different from what it charges its other members. All reported active members pay club, district, and RI dues.

CLUB BILLS

DISTRICT DUES

RI DUES AND FEES

MEMBERS	TREASURER	OUTGOING FUNDS
Depending on the model used, some clubs charge corporate members the
same club dues as their traditional members, while others charge up to
50 percent more for the benefits the corporation receives. Some clubs may
charge additional fees when both the primary and alternate members attend
the same meeting, for example to cover the cost of meals.
However you structure your club dues and fees, make sure you document it
in the club’s bylaws and that all members understand the dues structure. Club
leaders are encouraged to ask their district leaders if there is a different district
dues structure for corporate members.

DOCUMENTING MEMBERSHIP TYPES IN YOUR CLUB BYLAWS

Club rules governing financial obligations (club and district dues, meal costs,

RESOURCES

etc.), attendance requirements, service expectations, and other aspects

Learn more about

of corporate membership should be discussed and voted on by the club’s

accommodating members on

members to ensure there’s a consensus on how this membership type

rotary.org/flexibility, where

functions. Once approved, the rules and policies should be added to your

you can also find editable

club’s bylaws. Refer to the Sample Corporate Membership Bylaws to see

versions of the appendixes

examples of how your club can specify how corporate membership will work

below.

in your club.

APPENDIX 1

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP: MAKING THE OFFER

Use this resource to start the conversation about corporate membership with leaders of local businesses and corporations to explain the advantages of a Rotary membership. You can edit the template and send it, or use it for talking points when meeting with business leaders face to face.

Before approaching business leaders about the corporate membership, consider the following tips:

Assess whether your club is diverse and appealing to local professionals. Make changes within your club first to ensure it’s attractive to your local business leaders.

Be sure your club members are open to including corporate members and that your

club will make them feel welcome.

Leverage the connections you have to present the opportunity to the right person.

Research the business or organization’s values and culture before approaching them so you can better appeal to them.

Develop a corporate membership pricing model that may be mutually beneficial to

the organization and your club.

Decide which model you will use and complete your own dues table in the template with amounts that work for your club.

SAMPLE DUES STRUCTURE FOR MODEL A (In which only the primary member is assessed dues and reported to Rotary International as an active member):

Corporate Dues*	Cost
Primary member	$1,250.00
Alternate member 1
Alternate member 2
Alternate member 3
Total annual cost	$1,250.00

*For the 20XX-XX fiscal year

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An editable version of this document is available at Rotary.org/flexibility.

SAMPLE DUES STRUCTURE FOR MODEL B (In which the club assesses a flat rate for a certain number of corporate members):

				For Two (2)	For Three (3)	For Four (4)
				Corporate	Corporate	Corporate
	Corporate Dues*	Members	Members	Members
	Annual cost for
	organization	$1,450.00	$1,600.00	$1,775.00
	Average cost per
	member	$712.50	$533.33	$443.75.00
*For the	20XX-XX	fiscal year
Sample pricing breakdown for Model B:
	Corporate Dues*	Option 1	Option 2	Option 3
	Primary member	$1,250.00	$1,250.00	$1,250.00
	Alternate member 1	$175.00	$175.00	$175.00
	Alternate member 2		$175.00	$175.00
	Alternate member 3			$175.00
	Total annual cost for
	organization	$1,425.00	$1,600.00	$1,775.00
	Average cost per
	member	$712.50	$533.33	$443.75

OFFER LETTER TEMPLATE (Can also be used as talking points if making a verbal offer)

The Rotary Club of [INSERT CLUB NAME] invites [INSERT BUSINESS NAME] to participate in a new opportunity for club membership. Corporate memberships give local businesses,

nonprofits, government entities, and corporations the chance to give back to the community while developing their employees’ personal and professional skills through Rotary.

At many businesses, the CEO and other top executives will want to add Rotary membership to their resumes because they recognize Rotary’s reputation for combining business networking

with community service. A corporate membership will allow your busy executives the chance to

learn about the needs of their community so they can serve it well, while experiencing the personal satisfaction of knowing they’re helping others.

Younger professionals will enjoy the flexibility of our corporate membership, which is more affordable and requires a smaller time commitment. Membership in Rotary provides young executives invaluable opportunities for taking on leadership roles while providing networking opportunities and mentoring. By offering the perk of Rotary membership, you show young executives that your business cares about their personal and professional growth.

How corporate memberships work

As many as [INSERT NUMBER] employees can join together as members of Rotary. One will be considered the primary member, while the others will act as alternates with the option of attending meetings either for themselves or on behalf of the primary member.

Although the business entity isn’t a Rotary member, it typically pays the dues for its employees’

Rotary membership and may be eligible for a tax deduction where permissible by law. The dues for alternate members are significantly discounted.

Here are some other advantages of corporate membership:

Flexible schedule. Any of the members who joined together can attend a meeting — or all are welcome at the same meeting — adding tremendous flexibility and reducing the time commitment of any one member.

Cost savings. The price of membership is a fraction of the cost compared to all the executives paying the full membership dues.

Community awareness. Executives can meet and socialize with other business leaders in the club, expanding their understanding of the community’s needs and wants, and get an insight into how businesses are addressing common concerns.

Global connections. Members of Rotary have instant access to our global network of

1.2 million members in 35,000 clubs around the world. Wherever you’re traveling, there’s likely a Rotary club with local business and community leaders who will welcome you.

Networking opportunities. Through Rotary, business leaders can make important contacts that can result in profitable business ventures in the future.

Commitment to service. Employees of the business recognize and appreciate the company’s commitment to serving others. Even if employees don’t join the Rotary club, service becomes part of the corporate culture.

One-stop source. Rotary is a productive use of an executive’s time. Instead of joining a variety of boards, each with their own unique focus, time commitment, and cost, Rotary is a comprehensive source where members can learn about many of the social issues and concerns in the community.

Personal satisfaction. Members experience the gratification of knowing that they’re helping people who may not have the means to help themselves.

How dues are divided

Annual dues for corporate members vary depending on how many employees join. Businesses have the option of proposing two to four members, with the following pricing structure: <[SAMPLE ONLY – INSERT THE AMOUNTS APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR CLUB]>

Corporate Dues*	Option 1	Option 2		Option 3

Primary member

Alternate member 1

Alternate member 2

Alternate member 3

Total annual cost

Average cost per

member

*For the 20XX-XX fiscal year

Join us

The Rotary Club of [NAME] meets on [DAY OF WEEK] at [INSERT LOCATION]. Join us as our guest to see if an individual or corporate membership is right for you. Or contact our membership chair, [NAME], at [EMAIL] or [PHONE NUMBER].

APPENDIX 2

SAMPLE CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP BYLAWS

These guidelines serve solely as an example of what clubs may wish to adopt to meet their specific needs. Rotary International does not endorse specific requirements or obligations of membership for any alternative membership types.

An editable version of this document is available on Rotary.org/flexibility.

MODEL A (In which dues are paid for the primary member, but not alternates):

Recognizing the growing importance that businesses place on corporate social responsibility, the

club has created a corporate membership option. Corporations can take part in projects that give back to the community through Rotary’s well-organized structure.

The Rotary Club of _____ offers a corporate membership program for businesses, professional

practices, government entities, educational institutions, and _____.

1. The employees of any business are eligible for corporate membership in the Rotary Club of _____.
2. Subject to the approval of the club’s board, the business designates employees to serve as members of the Rotary Club of ______ and may appoint up to

_____ people to be primary members or alternates.

3. Attendance and participation requirements of the club may be met by any of the members. All members (primary and alternates) are entitled to attend any regular meeting of the club or any other Rotary club as determined by the club.
4. Dues for the corporation are $_____ per year (as of _____). Dues for each alternate to the Rotary Club of ______ and Rotary District _____ currently total $____ per year. Should more than one corporate member attend the same Rotary meeting, the additional members will be required to cover the cost of their meals.
5. RI registration. Primary corporate members for whom RI dues have been paid are registered as active members in Rotary’s database. They will be listed as official members of the club and noted in the roster as primary corporate members of the named business. Alternate corporate members for whom RI dues have not been paid are not listed on the club roster in Rotary’s database.

6. Votes and quorum. For the purpose of general meetings and club matters, the primary corporate member is eligible to vote. Since the corporation has one primary member that is reported as an active, RI dues-paying member, it will have only one vote which will be made by the designee attending the meeting at which the vote is taken.
7. Holding office. Any RI dues-paying member listed in Rotary’s database, which includes the primary corporate member, is eligible to hold office. Alternates who do not pay RI dues are not eligible.

—

MODEL B (In which the club charges a flat rate for a certain number of corporate members):

The Rotary Club of ______ offers a corporate membership program for businesses and other

large organizations, government entities, professional practices, educational institutions, and

_______.

The corporate member will be an active, dues-paying member of the club and of Rotary. The Board of Directors will establish the dues for this membership type.

1. All ____ members must meet the regular requirements for membership in the club and in Rotary.
2. Subject to the approval of the club’s board, these organizations may designate a primary corporate member, who is the [circle one] president, chief executive, department head, general manager, or other role, and up to _____

alternate members, who must be employed by ___________.

3. The corporate member is required to attend in person only once per

_____. The alternate members will meet the club’s other attendance and participation requirements.

4. Dues for the corporation shall be $_____ per year (as of _____) which includes a primary corporate member and _____ alternate members. [Add other rates as needed]
5. RI registration. All corporate members are full, active members of the club and count in the club’s and in Rotary’s database.
6. Votes and quorum. All corporate members are active, dues-paying members and are eligible to vote on club matters.
7. Holding office. All corporate members are active, dues-paying members of the club and are eligible to hold office.