BENEFITS OF CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP IN DISABLED SPORTS USA

• Opportunities to work in partnership with other DS/USA chapters nationwide, including eligibility for matching grants.
  
• For new start-up chapters, immediate recognition as a charitable, non profit, (501 (c) (3)) organization, through DS/USA’s IRS Group Exemption program.
  
• Priority in consideration for joint partnership projects with Disabled Sports USA, such as activities serving wounded soldiers returning from Iraq.
  
• Access to low cost group liability, accident, and directors and officers insurance (additional cost; depends on numbers of participants served and activities offered).
  
• Priority in placing articles and announcements about your chapter activities in Challenge magazine (circulation 20,000) (no charge for placing articles).
  
• Low cost subscriptions to national magazine Challenge. Fifty (50) free subscriptions for initial membership and $5 per year for all other subscriptions ordered by the chapter (use this as a benefit of membership to your chapter members).
  
• Chapter event announcements can be emailed by DS/USA to all of the 80 plus chapters in the DS/USA network.
  
• Informal counseling and advice through DS/USA’s executive director (34 years of experience) on chapter organization and conduct of chapter programs.
  
• Listing on DS/USA’s worldwide website, including chapter information and programs.

The cost of chapter membership is $250 per year.