Become a Member

The Connecticut Council for Philanthropy organizes, inspires, and equips a community of funders to learn, collaborate, and lead together for sustained impact and social change. 

Impact happens when we work together.

Join the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy today! When you join our community, you’re connected to the largest network of philanthropic organizations working together towards a more just, equitable, and thriving Connecticut. Our member network connects you with peers across the state, facilitates shared learning, and fosters relationships that grow philanthropic impact.

Council membership is open to foundations (private, corporate, community, and operating), business and corporate giving programs, bank trusts, donor-advised funds, individual philanthropists, and those serving the philanthropic sector.

Access our membership form.


Why Become a Member?

We are better – and make more impact -- when we work together. The Connecticut Council is building a community of funders focused on making Connecticut better. The Council connects members through its learning programs, professional development opportunities, and a variety of networks. It informs and supports its members’ work through research and publications, public policy advocacy, and consulting. And it provides a home to philanthropic collaboration, like the Connecticut Early Childhood Funders Collaborative and Supporting Organizing Work Connecticut.

Membership to the Council includes:

Events: Participate in programming about pressing issues and learn about innovations in the field.

Resources: Find practical tools to help you be effective in your philanthropy, including custom reports of the Council on Foundation’s Salaries and Benefits report.

Consulting: Staff at the Council can provide consultation around executive leadership, programming, grantmaking, public policy, communications, and more.

Networks: Connect with colleagues who share your grantmaking interests and work together for collective impact. Click here to learn about our many networks.

Discounts: Through the Council’s membership to the United Philanthropy Forum, our members receive special vendor discounts.


How to Join or Renew Membership

To join or renew your membership, please make sure you have the following numbers:

  • Last three years of your CT giving, including grants made through donor-advised funds, restricted or unrestricted giving, and discretionary grants.
     
  • A Leadership Fund contribution, if any. Dues to the Council cover approximately 50% of the Council’s operating budget. A Leadership Fund contribution helps to support our work and your philanthropic colleagues across the state.

When you have these numbers, please click here to access our form.

Membership support is on a sliding scale, determined according to each member’s total giving in Connecticut as averaged over the most recent 3-year period. This annual support is based on the calendar year. Membership support may be paid in the form of a grant.