Any organisation or individual committed to voluntarism and aligned with VANI’s objectives and values can apply. Applicants should be willing to actively support VANI’s work.

Only Voluntary Development Organisations (VDOs) registered in India as Trusts, Societies, or Section 8 Companies are eligible for full voting membership.

All applications are reviewed and approved by the Governing Board in accordance with current guidelines.

To better reflect the evolving social sector, VANI has expanded its membership to include a wider range of organisations. While we continue to strengthen our core members—those committed to democratic values, secular principles, and the empowerment of marginalised communities—we now also welcome social enterprises, CSR foundations, philanthropic institutions, Section 8 companies, and social-spiritual charitable organisations.

VANI’s membership has two categories: Members and Associates, based on governance rights and organisation type.

Voting Members
Members have voting rights and can participate in VANI’s governance, including the election of the Governing Body at the Annual General Meeting.

Eligible Member Types:
Indian Voluntary Development Organisations (VDOs): NGOs and development organisations registered as Trusts, Societies, or Section 8 companies, including family foundations, corporate foundations, and social enterprises.

Categorised by annual turnover: Up to ₹50 lakh, ₹50 lakh – ₹1 crore, ₹1 crore – ₹5 crore, ₹5 crore – ₹20 crore, Over ₹20 crore.

Associates
Associates receive all VANI services but do not have voting rights or participate in governance.

Eligible Associate Types:
Liaison offices of international NGOs, donor agencies, or funding bodies; Corporate CSR units and foundations; International NGOs (INGOs); Multilateral organisations (e.g., UN agencies, European Union); Academic or research institutions (e.g., TISS, Ashoka University); Social movements, campaigns, and thematic groups, including unregistered coalitions.

All members benefit from our regular updates, curated resources, participation in public consultations, and visibility through our communication channels. But as a member, you gain access to a deeper layer of support:

1. Trainings and Workshops: Members seeking support on specific sectoral challenges can request customised training sessions- delivered online or in person- by VANI’s programme team and its network of expert facilitators.

2. Access to Member-Only Resource Library: Get exclusive access to a curated collection of practical resources designed for civil society organisations. This includes toolkits, step-by-step explainer guides, legal and compliance templates, field case studies, and recordings of past webinars.

3 .One-on-One Compliance Support/Advisory Services: VANI offers monthly support calls to guide members on FCRA, 12A, 80G, and CSR registration—particularly helpful for small and mid-sized organisations navigating regulatory requirements.

4. Impact Assessment: Free, self-paced courses designed to strengthen the capacities of CSOs - covering topics like legal compliance, governance, fundraising. Practical, accessible, and built for changemakers across India.

Membership may be terminated if:

• A member violates VANI’s objectives or shows no active interest in its work.
• Membership fees remain unpaid for over two consecutive years.

Termination requires approval by a two-thirds majority of the Governing Board. Members are informed in advance and given a chance to respond.

• Support and contribute to VANI’s mission and activities.
• Participate in events, consultations, and collaborative initiatives.
• Share organisational updates and reports to strengthen sector-wide knowledge.
• Uphold VANI’s values and Code of Conduct.
• Pay fees on time.

• Participate actively in fulfilling VANI’s objectives.
• Attend and vote in General Body meetings.
• Receive official minutes of General Body meetings.
• Contest elections for the Governing Body.
• Recommend new organisations and individuals for membership.

Yes. All members must follow VANI’s Code of Conduct, which includes:

• Acting ethically, responsibly, and respectfully.
• Avoiding offensive content or actions on behalf of VANI.
• Submitting their Annual Report and Audit Report to the Secretariat.
• Signing and upholding the Code of Conduct.
• Not representing VANI publicly unless formally authorised.
• Paying membership fees on time.