AFRDS http://www.afrds.org/
I called the organization at 404 252 3662 and spoke to Donna.
We would be considered a "Distributor". The Introductory rate to join is $295 for the first year and then it is pro-rated for the amount of sales you generate in a year - higher dues for a bigger company.
Here is the application: http://www.afrds.org/pdf/memapp.pdf
The biggest question that I had on the application was the References. Since we do not have a track record in fundraising, we will have no references. She said that there are NO requirements for a track record in fundraising to join the association. Since we are new to fundraising, they ask for any business references that you would have (publisher, distributors, printers) ets. They ask 4 questions. Just checking on your general business stability and practices I would guess.
So there are no hurdles to joining.
Benefits.
1. You can use their log on your site and materials. Implied endorsement of trusworthyness.
2. There are 2 annual meetings
3. One convention. Free entrance into the convention - seminars, workshops, suppliers of fundraising product and services are featured.
4. Yearly hard copy member directory
5. Quarterly Newletter
6. You are on a spreadsheet so that suppliers can contact you with merchandize specials.
7. Access to industy news and trainings.
8. Probably more but these are the main things that I saw
At the end of their fiscal year June 2011, there were:
133 Suppliers - Companies that offer fundraising products
388 Distributors - Fundraising companies like you
4 Affiliates - People like sign makers, graphic designers etc.
They have all sizes of groups who belong. I will watch for how many groups belong as I continue to do research. This might help gage how beneficial people find the membership to be to their company.
