2011 Benefits of Membership Adding Machine

• Mutual of America - In 2011, members and their employees will save nearly $35,000 as a direct result of membership in VisionServe Alliance. By aggregating member organizations’ retirement fund deposits, an economy of scale is created, allowing Mutual of America to waive fees paid by both member organizations and employees! This opportunity allows small agencies unable to afford the high-cost of a 403(b) to create one at no charge, and it allows the medium and larger organizations to save big dollars! Participating VisionServe Alliance members save more than the cost of dues!

• Compensation and Benefits Study – For the first time in our field, we have created a professional and comprehensive compensation and benefits survey for executive level positions as well as vision rehabilitation therapists, teachers of the visually impaired, and occupational therapists. Value: $500+ - Free to those who participated in survey, $250 for members who did not.

• Scholarships – An annual scholarship(s) is available to employees of member organizations for continuing education, ACVREP certification, or a degree in vision related specialties or nonprofit management. Value: Up to $3,500

• Consulting – One day of free on-site consulting, board training, executive coaching, accreditation assistance, etc. Value: $1,200

• Society for Nonprofit Organizations – You will receive 6 on-line issues of Nonprofit World and 12 on-line issues of Nonprofit World Funding Alert. Value: $129

• Grantstation - ¬ 5,500 database of actively funding foundations plus tools for successful granting, access to an archive of over 7000 articles on nonprofit management, and discounts on SNPO materials, books, tapes, etc. Value: $599

• e-Newsletters – VisionServe Alliance staff monitor a wide array of list-serves, newsletters, blogs, web-sites, etc, saving you time and energy, to create twice monthly issues rich with content, including best practices in services to people with vision loss, nonprofit management, funding opportunities, legislative issues, medical news, and more.

• Annual Financial Rankings – A listing is provided annually of the top 250 nonprofit organizations providing services to people with vision loss. Value: $100

• Nonprofit Management Webinair Series – 15 Webinairs on topics such as “Surviving the Meltdown Without Having One” or “Reliable Fundraising in Unreliable Times,” will be made available to members and their employees throughout 2011. Value: $3,000

• Nonprofit Issues - VisionServe Alliance annually purchases this resource that provides nonbinding legal advice. Submit your question about Bylaws, board management, taxes, etc. to VisionServe Alliance for a quick answer from attorneys who specialize in nonprofit law. Value: $129

• Independent Sector – NCPABVI forwards information from Independent Sector, saving your agency expensive membership dues. Value: From $350 to $17,500

• Discounted Office Supplies – Office supplies are offered at a discount and with free shipping at www.alphapointeonline.com. AlphaPointe is a member of VisionServe Alliance, employs people who are blind or visually impaired, and 5% of your purchase is donated to VisionServe Alliance!


Additional Benefits and Why You Should Join VisionServe

• Bringing Leaders Together – VisionServe Alliance provides an opportunity for leaders and innovative thinkers in nonprofit services to people with vision loss to connect with each other, invent new solutions, share message, and inspire creativity. Working together, our impact extends far beyond any one issue important to people with vision loss or any one organization.
• Leadership Development – Twice annual conferences provide the necessary skills and information that help the CEO/Executive Director meet day-to-day challenges and enhance their ability to achieve higher levels of performance.
• Mentors and Peer Consultants – The collective expertise of VisionServe Alliance members shapes and strengthens nonprofit organizations serving people with vision loss, both individually and collectively.
• Advocacy - At the Federal level regarding funding for deaf/blind children, referrals to members from the VA, Medicare reimbursement for vision professionals, health care reform, accessible currency, and more.
• Referrals - VisionServe Alliance’s web-site attracts hundreds of inquiries each year that are referred to member organizations.


We will continue to add value to your membership in 2012!