Join Us
Be a part of our vision for a fairer, kinder and happier society
Become a Member
Join GCVS and help us build a strong voluntary sector in Glasgow to support the needs of our communities.
Our membership programme is open to voluntary organisations, social enterprises and community groups across Glasgow and the wider community. Becoming a member not only helps us support your work, it also supports us to be a strong voice for the sector. While many of our services and training programmes are free, becoming a member can provide discounts on our paid services as well as other benefits, including being part of our community.
Find pricing info here and apply using our online form. Or please get in touch to discuss your needs.
Standard Membership is for organisations that believe in what we do and want to be a part of it. Members receive exclusive discounts and invitations, they can post on our noticeboard and choose to join the community lottery and they hold voting rights at our general meetings.
Membership Plus is for organisations who also want a cost-effective way to access some of our most popular services, including our HR and Payroll Services. Its a great way to save money on top of the benefits of standard membership.
Associate Membership is for organisations who are outwith the voluntary sector, but who share our values and vision. This option is also for voluntary sector organisations who operate outside the Glasgow City area.
Why join us?
Up to 20% off venue hire at the Albany Centre, near St George’s Cross, Glasgow
Discounted rates on our paid specialist training events (much of our training is already free)
Exclusive invitations to have your say on issues affecting your organisation and the sector
Free fundraising on Yaldi – Glasgow’s Community Lottery
Fantastic additional benefits with Membership Plus, including our Payroll and HR services
Who are our members?
Our members range from local community groups and social enterprises in Glasgow, to large national charities. Associate membership is also available to non-third sector organisations, and to individuals who share our aims.
Hear from some of our members, such as Weekday Wow Factor – a Social Enterprise and Charity based in Glasgow, working to rebuild local communities after trauma experienced by Covid and economic hardship. They have been a GCVS member since setting up as a social enterprise in October 2017.
What They Say
“GCVS provides an important networking opportunity to meet like minded third and forth sector organisations who may have similar social mission and challenges. It is also my ‘go to’ advice organisation for Human Resources too. The support provided is a rock to Weekday Wow Factor.
There are great opportunities to meet new people and catch up with acquaintances, as well as learning about local Glasgow City council funding application forms and guidance.
We benefit as an organisation from the networking and learning, but the ultimate beneficiary are community members who get an improved and diverse service as we have the right support and collaborations for our organisation.”
Eligibility Criteria
Full membership is only available to voluntary sector organisations operating in the Glasgow City Region.
We define a voluntary sector organisation as a community group, voluntary organisation, charity or social enterprise that:
- Has a positive social purpose
- Is not run for private gain and reinvests any surpluses in its purposes
- Is not part of or controlled by the public sector, a political party or a trade union
- Is controlled by people who do so on a voluntary (unpaid) basis
Every organisation is unique but organisations are usually eligible for full membership providing they meet the above expectations include:
- Charities (excluding those outlined below)
- Tenants and Residents Associations
- Social Enterprises who meet the Social Enterprise Code (http://www.se-code.net/the-code/)
- Housing Associations
- Credit Unions
- Sports Clubs
- Arts Groups
- Churches
Organisations normally not eligible for full membership include:
- Charities controlled by a public body (e.g. colleges, ALEOs)
Social enterprises that don’t meet the Social Enterprise Code
Community Councils
To meet the requirement of “operating in the Glasgow City Region” your organisation must support or involve people who live in the local authorities of Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, East Dunbartonshire and West Dunbartonshire.
Any organisation that subscribes to our values but does not meet the eligibility criteria is eligible and welcome to apply to become an Associate Member.
Membership is a great way to get access to discounts on many of our services as well as additional insight into the expertise and support available through GCVS. You will also receive invitations to exclusive events. Find out more in our brochure.
“Amina MWRC has been a GCVS Member for a number of years. We are members of the HR Service which we find an invaluable resource for getting advice about employment and staffing issues. The service provides up to date and accurate information which we could not afford to access from a employment lawyer.”
Amina, the Muslim Women’s Resource Centre
“Over the years we have had excellent support as a GCVS member from funding advice, to mentoring support, plus we get excellent deals on training.”
Geeza Break
“It’s important for the community and voluntary sector to connect and collaborate with each other. GCVS helps achieve this in Glasgow – connecting organisations and offering specialised, quality support for our sector.” Annexe Communities
Find membership pricing here and apply using our online form.
Or to get in touch email us at membership@gcvs.org.uk or call 0141 332 2444
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