Maryland VOAD provides the following benefits to its member organizations:
- Decades of collective knowledge for every stage of a disaster, response to unmet needs, and long term recovery
- Collaboration and coordination in disaster response (shared planning and response by multiple organizations)
- Ensuring equity and diversity in response
- Providing assets, resources, volunteers, and money that individual organizations may not have access to
- Expertise in the management of volunteers and donated goods
- Sharing of best practices, training, and techniques
- Corporate and Government relationships that can benefit disaster response
- Access to National VOAD’s resources
We have a strong relationship with the Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM)
MDEM trusts the Maryland VOAD Board of Directors to vet organizations applying for membership to ensure that those organizations share the same commitment and values as our existing members. As such, our application is extensive. And, as our membership consists of all shapes and sizes, all requested information may not be available. A waiver may be requested for any information that cannot be provided (with an explanation for the waiver request). Your member application will be reviewed by the Maryland VOAD Board of Directors, and if approved, presented to the membership at the next quarterly meeting for final approval.
We have three categories for participation in Maryland VOAD — Member, Partner, and Affiliate
Member Organizations are those organizations with not-for-profit structures who are qualified under the Internal Revenue Code 501(c)3 or voluntary organizations with a stated policy of commitment of resources, without discrimination, to meet the needs of people affected by a disaster in the State of Maryland. Member Organizations have a voice and vote at Maryland VOAD meetings. Annual dues are $150 per year, which is used for administrative expenses and immediate emergency response expenses. Dues are pro-rated in the last half of our fiscal year (July through June).
Partner Organizations are Federal, State, County, or Local Government organizations with a stated policy of commitment of resources, without discrimination, to meet the needs of people affected by disaster. Partners have voice, but not vote, at Maryland VOAD meetings. Annual dues are $100 per year, which is used for administrative expenses and immediate emergency response expenses. Dues are pro-rated in the last half of our fiscal year (July through June).
Affiliate Organizations are For-Profit Corporations that have offices in Maryland and are interested in participating in disaster preparedness and response through donations of in-kind equipment, financial aid, and volunteers. Affiliates have voice, but not vote, at Maryland VOAD meetings. There are no dues but there is an expectation of support during disaster response.
To request an application or for any questions, please contact membership@marylandvoad.org.
Check out our Current Members, Partners, and Affiliates.