How to Join ICVA

Membership Criteria

The ICVA Statutes outline the types of organisations eligible for ICVA membership as follows:

1. International voluntary agencies or non-governmental organisations (NGOs), that is, organisations that operate outside their country of origin. This category also includes families or federations of NGOs that share a common name, but that have chapters or operations in different countries;
2. Consortia, networks, and groups of different NGOs that have joined together to enhance the effectiveness of their work. Such groups may represent NGOs from one or more countries or they may be regional or global in scope;
3. A national NGO will not normally be admitted to ICVA if it is already affiliated to an organisation, consortium, network, or group that holds or is applying for ICVA membership. However, ICVA will consider, at its discretion, applications for membership from:
   1. National NGOs that have demonstrated a commitment to translating their work to the international level;
   2. National NGOs with country, regional, or other expertise on which ICVA may draw; and/or
   3. NGOs based in countries that have no national consortium, network, or group of NGOs.

The criteria for ICVA membership are further defined by the ICVA By-Law on Eligibility for Membership.

Commitments by Members

New members are asked for a commitment to participate in ICVA’s activities as outlined in the ICVA Strategic Plan.

In addition, the ICVA membership aims to be a network of NGOs that is recognised for the quality and accountability of their work and members are encouraged to demonstrate, in all relevant situations, a commitment to:

1. Humanitarian principles, including the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief;

2. Collaboration with other NGOs and/or partner agencies, in line with the Principles of Partnership of the Global Humanitarian Platform;

3. Prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse as guided by the Statement of Commitment on Eliminating Sexual Exploitation and Abuse by UN and Non-UN Personnel; and

4. Quality and accountability in humanitarian action, including use of the Sphere Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response.

Observer Status

A voluntary agency that wishes to participate in the ICVA network but which, because of constitutional constraints or reasons of principle, cannot be associated with the views and/or positions adopted by ICVA, may apply for Observer status.

Affiliate Membership

The ICVA Affiliate membership category is for academic and research institutes and provides a means to make better links between their work and the work of ICVA members. ICVA Affiliates receive full access to the ICVA website and documents, meetings, and participation at General Assemblies, however, they do not have the right to vote or hold office.

Application Fee

ICVA charges a non-refundable processing fee of Swiss Francs (CHF) 75.00. Please submit a copy of the bank transfer statement together with the application and relevant documents.

Application Procedure

What Applicants Should Do:

A completed Application for Membership of ICVA form should be sent to the ICVA Secretariat with the following documents in English:

1. Statutes, constitution, founding charter, or similar document;

2. Statement of organisational aims and objectives;

3. Proof of non-governmental and non-profit legal status;

4. Two most recent annual reports and audited financial statements, including sources of income and current donors;

5. Composition and term of executive body (board of directors or equivalent), including names and institutional affiliations;

6. Minutes of General Assemblies or similar meetings over the last two years (or, if no meetings held during that period, the most recent minutes);
7. List of member organisations (if applicable);

8. Copies, or internet addresses, of any codes of conduct, quality/accountability accreditation, or similar documents requested in the ICVA Application for Membership; and

9. Confirmation of payment of the application fee by bank transfer to ICVA of Swiss francs (CHF) 75.00 (not including bank charges).

What ICVA Will Do:

1. The ICVA Secretariat will review the complete application for membership against the criteria, check references as provided in the application, and may request additional information.

2. The Secretariat will make a recommendation to ICVA’s Executive Committee. The Committee will consider the application by e-mail or at its next meeting. The Executive Committee meets twice a year.

3. In assessing the application, the Executive Committee will take into account its responsibility to uphold ICVA’s mission and purpose and the degree to which the applicant will strengthen the work of ICVA.

4. The Executive Committee will approve, reject, or defer the application, based on a majority vote. The Committee’s decision is final.

5. The applicant will be informed by the Secretariat of the Executive Committee’s decision and, if applicable, the reasons why the application was rejected or deferred.

6. If membership is approved, the Secretariat will send a formal acknowledgement, with a membership package and an invoice for membership dues, in line with the ICVA Membership Dues Structure.

Contact Information

International Council of Voluntary Agencies
26-28 avenue Giuseppe-Motta
1202 Geneva
Switzerland
Tel: +41 (22) 950 96 00
Fax: +41 (22) 950 96 09
E-mail: secretariat@icva.ch