Bidinotto Answers Queries On Memberships and Gifts

In the past two years, the institute has attracted a large number of new members, and many of them have questions about their membership. What does it mean to be a "member"? How long does a membership period run? What benefits does a contribution bring? Is the institute increasing its efforts at soliciting contributions? Robert Bidinotto, the institute's director of development, recently answered these questions and others.

1. What does it mean to be a "member" of IOS?

"To begin with, the institute does not have membership dues in the same sense that a private club might. IOS simply solicits contributions to support its work, and anyone who contributes a minimum of $25—or $15 in the case of a student—becomes a "member" of the institute for the twelve months following the date that IOS receives his contribution.

"All members receive Navigator, plus mailings about institute events held in their areas. Navigator is not sold by subscription, nor is it supported by ad revenue. It is strictly a benefit offered to contributors.

"The institute recognizes various levels of membership, tied to levels of contribution. Higher levels of membership bring greater benefits. (See box on the following page.)

"Though the lion's share of institute funding comes from donors at the level of Sponsor and above, all contributions are important. Many smaller donations have cumulative impact, and the sheer growth in numbers helps the institute's credibility in the media and in the culture at large."

2. What determines the level of a person's membership? Is it based on annual giving during a calendar year, or giving over any twelve-month period?

"It is based on a twelve-month period. In other words, a person's membership level is determined by his total support during the twelve months that follows his initial contribution. For example, if a person donated $100 on June 1, 1998, and then $100 on the first of each month after that, he would reach the Sponsor level on March 1, 1999.

"I should mention one exception, however. Immediately upon authorizing a monthly donation by credit card, a person will be considered to be at the level corresponding to his total annual contribution. In other words, a person who authorizes a monthly donation of $100 on June 1, 1998, will be regarded as a Sponsor on the same day. For that reason, participating in our on-going monthly contributor program makes a lot of sense."

3. How does this credit card program work?

"A member may authorize a monthly contribution of $10 or more, via American Express, Visa, or MasterCard. The institute will charge this amount to his credit card each month. This will continue unless IOS is notified in writing that the authorization has been ended. We acknowledge these credit-card contributions quarterly.

"Besides its convenience, another benefit of this program—for both the donor and the institute—is that it allows many members to raise their annual level of support more comfortably, by making small monthly contributions. For example, a Basic Member, giving $50 per year, can become a Regular Member ($75-$499 per year) for as little as $10 per month.

"To join the on-going program, just fill out the Member Contribution Form enclosed in the institute's periodic mailings—or call IOS at 1-800-374-1776 with your credit card information."

4. Longtime members often ask: Has IOS been doing more member recruitment and fundraising recently?

"Yes, definitely! A nonprofit organization such as the institute cannot begin to support its work solely through the sale of products and services. Fundraising is therefore a crucial concern, because it provides the only means to advance our mission and to support our programs.

"As IOS Board chairman Frank Bond put it at the 1997 Sponsors Dinner: 'Money is the fuel, the energy that makes everything else go. No military machine could function without it. No intellectual army can be raised or operate without it. As we all know, but sometimes forget, freedom is not free.'"

5. Is this increased development activity paying off in programs?

"Again, definitely. Because of its growing budget, the institute has been able to sponsor new Objectivist scholarship through conferences, publications, and apprenticeships; to increase its public visibility and its impact in cultural and political arenas; to launch workshops that help members understand and apply Objectivist ideas; and to acquire the staff needed to handle these increased responsibilities and efforts."

6. Many members ask why the institute continues to send them direct mail solicitations after they have already contributed for the year. Sometimes, a new mailing will arrive mere weeks after they have sent in a donation.

"If the solicitation comes within just a few weeks after a contribution, that would be coincidence. The person sent in a donation just as a regularly scheduled mailing was under way. But it is our policy to send several mailings a year to all members. In addition to soliciting funds, these mailings often announce recent activities and upcoming plans. IOS definitely wants members to have that information. Also, many members like the opportunity to contribute a second or third time during the year, in order to raise their level of membership or to fund some special project."

"Finally, let me say: We value our members as indispensable partners in our work to advance Objectivism. We are profoundly grateful for their continuing support, and for their invaluable feedback, too.

"Any member who has questions or ideas concerning the institute's membership program, mission, or fundraising policies should write to me, call me, or send me e-mail."