Membership Benefits

Networking, community building, & learning

LEARNING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

We provide between 8-12 learning opportunities annually for members. Examples include peer learning events, key issue forums, skill-building workshops, and webinars. These opportunities are available to members for free or reduced cost.  

ANNUAL MEETING

Members receive discounted registration to GCRI’s Annual Meeting in the fall.

PEER NETWORKING

Every learning event we host is also an opportunity for networking among peers. In addition, we host a standing monthly networking coffee meet-up where professionals who work in the field of philanthropy and grantmaking can connect and share current challenges and successes. Through closer connections to one another, our members identify opportunities to partner with one another and leverage their resources.

NATIONAL CONNECTIONS

Our members are connected to a national network of funding organizations through our membership in the United Philanthropy Forum (60 regional and national philanthropy serving organizations, representing 7,000 members). Through GCRI, you have access to resources and connections in philanthropy throughout the country.

COMMUNICATIONS

Members receive a monthly newsletter plus regular curated announcements of events and learning opportunities.

INCREASED VISBILITY

We regularly share member highlights, news, programs and grantmaking through our member newsletter, website, and social media channels. Our members are also listed on our website where other community members can see who is part of the GCRI community.Training opportunities for your organization’s staff available for free or reduced cost, including workshops, issue forums and webinars.

Access to partner conferences, products, & publications

DISCOUNTS ON PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS & CONFERENCES

We negotiate reduced rates for professional workshops and conferences through partnerships in the United Philanthropy Forum and with regional peers. For example, Philanthropy MA offers its member rate to GCRI members to attend Philanthropy 101, a workshop for people who are new to the field. 

PUBLICATIONS

Our members are eligible for discounted subscriptions to the Stanford Social Innovation Review, Inside Philanthropy (20% off new subscriptions), The Foundation Review (20% discount) and Alliance magazine (20% discount). 

CANDID (GUIDESTAR)

Our members are eligible for 20% discounts on products like GuideStar Premium and Pro, Financial SCAN, GuideStar Nonprofit Compensation Report and GuideStar Charity Check.  

DISCOUNT ON EXPONENT PHILANTHROPY MEMBERSHIP

Exponent Philanthropy is an association of small grantmakers focused on foundations with few or no staff, philanthropic families, and individual donors. GCRI members can receive $100 off the first year of membership in Exponent Philanthropy. 

FOUNDATION LEGAL HELP DESK

The Foundation Legal Help Desk is designed to provide community, private and family foundations with access to answers to legal questions related to the operations of a foundation through a yearly low-cost fee. The foundation world is a complex field that requires specialized legal knowledge and many foundations do not have easy access to an attorney with expertise in this field. The Help Desk is operated by our colleagues at the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance. Different levels and fees are available depending on organizational size and usage.

One-on-one organizational support

Our staff and board bring deep experience in philanthropy and can serve as valuable conduits, linking you to specific resources, organizations, best practices, peer organizations, and references that address your organization’s particular concerns and challenges.