Membership Benefits
- Ongoing information regarding opportunities for programme/project funding
- Access to technical assistance and training opportunities
- Strong, unified advocacy with other NGOs on current issues
- Increased visibility of the organisation’s work
- Opportunities for collaboration and exchange of ideas (especially within the Sector groups)
- Opportunities for networking
- Access to health insurance and pension benefits for staff through CVSS health and pension plans
- Access to and support for volunteer recruitment, placement and oversight
Requirements for Membership
- Completed Organisation Application Form
- Constitution and/or Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association (as applicable)
- Current Annual Report and audited Financial Statements (as applicable)
- Membership Fees for the first year (based on the category of membership being sought)
Responsibilities of the Nominations Committee
The Nominations Committee of the CVSS has responsibility for:
- the review of applications for membership
- interviewing applicants (as necessary)
- requesting additional information about the organization/individual (as necessary)
- the assessment of CVSS’ capability to deliver the benefits of membership
- the review of fees
Membership Categories
There are three categories of Membership:
- Full
- Provisional
- Corporate Foundation
Membership fees differ based on the category and level of membership.
| Membership Type | Fees (per annum) |
| Organisation (regular NGO): Full | $5000.00 |
| Organisation (regular NGO): Provisional* | $3500.00 |
Organisation: Corporate Foundation
| $10,000.00 $20,000.00 $50,000.00 |
*Applicable to NGOs that have been in existence for less than 5 years or those who have failed to comply with all the requirements of full membership for two (2) consecutive years. Full membership may be awarded at a subsequent AGM of the Council when all requirements have been fulfilled. Provisional members do not have voting privileges.
Membership fees are to be paid in full after the organisation’s application has been reviewed by the Nominations Committee in March, in preparation for acceptance at the AGM held in May. Thereafter, fees are to be paid by April 30th annually. In exceptional cases, after consultation with CVSS, fees may be paid in two (2) installments up to September 30th.
Payment Methods
Method | Instructions |
Cheque | Drop off cheque payable to the Council of Voluntary Social Services, in a sealed envelope with the organization/individual’s name to the National Volunteer Centre, 2D Camp Road, Kingston 4. |
Local Bank Transfer | National Commercial Bank – Duke Street Branch Name on Account: CVSS/NVC Account Type: Chequing Account # 061052429 |
International Bank Transfer | Please see the instructions for International Wire Transfers at this link: https://www.jncb.com/Support/Requirements/SWIFT-Wire-Transfer-Instructions Use in accordance with the banking information above. |
It is recommended that Members consider establishing a Standing Order with their bank for fees to be automatically deducted each year.
Membership Responsibilities
Once an organization becomes a member, it is expected that in addition to the payment of membership fees, they will be actively engaged in the Council. Opportunities for participation include:
- Attendance and participation in the AGM
- Enrollment and participation in at least one sector (if applicable)
- Participation and/or giving support to CVSS events e.g. CVSS Summer Games, NDTC Gala, Christmas at the NVC, Volunteer Conference.
- Participation in a committee responsible for the organizing and staging of CVSS events
- Participation in the capacity-building activities organized for members throughout the year
- Receiving and responding to the weekly E-Announcements
- Collaborating with CVSS in the execution of grant-funded projects (based on the focus of the grant)
Member Termination
Membership may be terminated in a number of ways:
- Members have the right to resign his/her/their membership with written notice of such intention to the Secretary of the Council.
- If it is noticed that an organization withdraws from participation in CVSS activities and/or is delinquent in paying Membership Fees for two consecutive years, it is assumed that they wish to dissociate from CVSS and will be considered to be inactive. CVSS will pursue and seek to re-engage inactive members within the 2-year period. However, if there is no response, the benefits of membership will be revoked.
- Membership may also be terminated if the Committee considers the organization to be unfit or unsuitable for any reason to continue as a member.