Q: If our organization
meets all of the national criteria and district priorities for
members, are we likely to become a member of the network if we
apply?
Q: What are
basic national criteria for network membership, and how do we
know what the district priorities are from year to year?
Q: How long
does it take to become a member of the network?
Q: Are we eligible
for grants during the process of joining the network?
Q: What are
the reporting requirements, and how soon do we have to start reporting
after joining the network?
Q: Are we eligible
to apply if we are a subsidiary of another corporation?
Q: We have a
501(c)(3) exemption under the umbrella of another organization.
Is this satisfactory?
Q: There
is a NeighborWorks organization that operates in the same city
or geographic area as we do. Does that eliminate us from consideration
as a member?
Q: If our organization meets all of the national
criteria and district priorities for members, are we likely to
become a member of the network if we apply? (top)
A: The application process is a competitive one and NeighborWorks America extends membership to a limited number of organizations
every year. Meeting all national criteria and district priorities
does not automatically guarantee an organization will be extended
the opportunity for membership in the network.
Q: What are the basic national criteria for
network membership, and how do we know what the national and district
priorities are from year to year? (top)
A: The national threshold criteria for membership are:
- A partnership of resident/private sector/public sector
- Resident-led
- Community revitalization and housing production
- Broad support in the community
- Organizational capacity to accomplish the mission
NeighborWorks America reaches under-served communities and
populations by bringing organizations into the network. There
are additional national criteria and district criteria such as
creating a critical mass in a particular state or creation of
a functional and/or geographic mix at a district or regional level.
In all cases applicant organizations must have a clear understanding
of the expectations and benefits of membership and have a demonstrated
enthusiasm for becoming an active network member.
For specific information about criteria and priorities for your district, please send a query by e-mail to memberapp@nw.org.
Q: How long does it take to become a member
of the network?
(top)
A: The average length of time from submission of application
to charter eligibility is one year to 18 months. The length of
time does vary depending on the scope of development work that
an organization must do to comply with all of the chartering requirements.
The length of time is also dependent on the capacity (staff and
resources) of NeighborWorks America to work with the organization
throughout the process. The shortest timeframe is six months after
submission of application.
Q: Are we eligible for grants during the process
of joining the network? (top)
A: Generally organizations in the
process of affiliation are not eligible for grants until they
are determined to be "charter eligible." Frequently
organizations in the affiliation process are extended a limited
number of scholarships to the NeighborWorks Training Institute
and staff and board members attend district training events and
meetings.
Q: What are the reporting requirements, and
how soon do we have to start reporting after joining the network?
(top)
A: NeighborWorks organizations that are new to the network
receive a Survey Orientation Packet shortly after becoming charter
eligible that includes the Initial Questionnaire, samples to introduce
the reporting formats, and type of data that is to be collected.
The Initial Questionnaire needs to be completed and returned within
30 days of receiving the packet. The Initial Questionnaire includes
a list of census tracts that describe the neighborhood or service
area, as well as information on the Board of Directors and committee
membership.
Quarterly Surveys include quarterly reinvestment and units for
completed projects schedules. The first quarterly report will
be due 30 days after the end of the first full quarter that your
organization is charter eligible. Information requested includes
information on projects completed, including sources of investment
and number of units; services provided; units owned and managed;
households counseled; and other special projects or services.
Annual Surveys are due by March 3 of the following year. Your
organization will be required to submit an annual survey for the
year in which you became charter eligible. Information requested
includes data on staff and benefits; revolving loan or other loan
portfolios; contributors; self-generated income; and service activities.
There are additional reporting requirements for members of the
Campaign for HomeOwnership 2002 and the Multifamily Initiative.
Your district office will provide you with templates and additional
information on reporting requirements upon request.
Q: Are we eligible to apply if we are a subsidiary
of another corporation?
(top)
A: No
Q: We have a 501(c)(3) exemption under the
umbrella of another organization. Is this satisfactory? (top)
A: No
Q: There is a NeighborWorks
organization that operates in the same city as we do. Does
that eliminate us from consideration as a member?
(top)
A: NeighborWorks organizations
develop, manage, and maintain programs and services, within a
defined geographic area, which are at all times in keeping with
the mission to revitalize neighborhoods and communities and to
provide affordable housing. The NeighborWorks organization
must demonstrate the capacity and resources to serve the designated
area appropriately. NeighborWorks America will charter only
one NeighborWorks organization in a geographic area
unless the diversity of need and local resources mandates distinct
organizational focus and identity. The appropriate district office
staff of NeighborWorks America will be able to guide organizations
on this question.
