Join NICVA

Influence and representation

Be part of a collective voice shaping decisions that affect the sector.

• Influence government policy
• Contribute to consultations and campaigns
• Access decision makers
• Join member forums and networks

Advice and support

Get practical help from experts who understand the sector.

• Governance, HR, fundraising and impact advice
• Priority access to support services
• Bespoke guidance tailored to your organisation

Training and development

Build skills and confidence across your organisation.

• 30% discount on training and accredited courses
• Priority booking on popular sessions
• Access to leadership and skills development opportunities

Information and insights

Stay informed and ahead of change.

• Member-only bulletins and updates
• Policy news and sector insights
• Research and reports including State of the Sector

Connections and profile

Strengthen your network and visibility.

• Member directory listing
• Networking events and forums
• Opportunities to collaborate and share learning

Save money

Make your budget go further.

• Discounts on training and events
• Reduced rates for room hire and services
• Free access to GrantTracker
• Discounts on governing document support

Full membership

Open to voluntary, community and charitable organisations in Northern Ireland.

You don’t need to be a registered charity, as long as your organisation:

• operates for community benefit (not profit)

• is self-governing

• has a clear structure and purpose

Associate membership

For:

• voluntary organisations outside Northern Ireland

• public sector bodies

• businesses

• professional associations

Includes most benefits, but without voting rights, and are not eligible to stand for election to the NICVA Executive Committee.

Membership criteria

To be eligible for membership of NICVA your organisation must meet the following criteria:

• Your organisation must be a self-governing body of people who have joined together voluntarily to take action for the benefit of the community, and established otherwise than for financial gain.
• While it does not have to be a registered charity, the aims, objectives and methods of working of your organisation must be written down in a publicly available document.
• Your organisation should be open to all members of the community with interests relevant to your publicly stated aims. You should have a stated policy in existence on equal opportunities, or have a commitment to improved practice. We may need to ask you for information about your financial situation and how long you have been operating.
• It must be based in Northern Ireland or if your organisation operates across the UK or Ireland you must have activities taking place in Northern Ireland.
• It should be properly constituted and its existence should not be time limited for a particular purpose.
• Organisations undertaking and/or affiliated to party political activity are not eligible for membership.
• Your organisation must be able to subscribe to NICVA’s Values Statement.
• NICVA reserves the right to refuse membership to any organisation it believes to be ineligible. The decision of the executive committee will be final.

NICVA has been a key source of support, information and advice over the years. 

Helping us to transform from humble beginnings as a cancer support group to a vital cancer support organisation for North Belfast. We can’t thank you enough.

Liddean McStravog, Co-ordinator, Cancer Lifeline