Become a Member

Join our community of nonprofits, business members, supporting partners, and community advocates!

Membership with ACS opens doors to a broader network across Howard County for collaboration, quality professional development and resources to boost your knowledge and skills throughout your career, and advocacy that strengthens the voices of nonprofits and the people we serve.

Testimonial

“I have never met an organization that so effectively promotes the success of hundreds of volunteer groups by focusing on sustainability of the organizations, promoting the importance of nonprofits in Howard County, and assessing the needs of the community. ACS is impressive in its purpose, leadership and staff.” 

- Bob Harris, Certified Association Executive, Nonprofit Center

New Members

Learn about membership benefits and levels below. Each section takes you to the membership sign-up form for you.

Renew Membership

For membership questions please contact us, 443-518-7705.

Organization-Level Benefits

FREE admission to Member Meetings.
Connect with the leading non-profit organizations in Howard County.
Our Nonprofit Collaborative provides a special place to get time-sensitive information, secure vital knowledge, and develop meaningful relationships.
Leverage your listing in the ACS Guide to Community Services: the “go to” resource for Howard County human services providers. Circulation of 20,000.
Share information about your organization and events at member meetings.
Submit announcements and articles for the monthly ACS e-newsletter, reaching 2,200 Howard County community leaders.
Maximize your online presence with a direct link from the ACS website to your organization.
Highlight your fundraiser and other signature events on the community calendar.
Enjoy quality training and professional development opportunities for your staff at low or no cost.
Connect with other county nonprofit executives at monthly meetings.
Take part in ACS advocacy priority planning. In the past, ACS has advocated on behalf of its members for issues around issues such as affordable housing, development of downtown Columbia, and access to affordable childcare.
Access ACS's legislative updates throughout state and county legislative sessions.
Connect with elected officials at meetings with state and county officials throughout the year.
Take advantage of favorable rates in the Unemployment Services Trust (UST) insurance program
Learn about new grant opportunities relevant to your organization.
ACS members receive a 20% discount on meeting room rentals at the NonProfit Collaborative. See our Resources page for more information about meeting rooms and other rental opportunities for nonprofits at the NPC.

Nonprofit Organizations

$125-$995 / year

Nonprofit organizations are organizations that are dedicated to furthering a cause. What makes us unique is that we are interested in your professional growth, the success of your organization and the positive impact you and your organization can have on the community as a whole. We hope that you will join us so you can share and exchange information while building meaningful relationships.
Annual dues are based on line 12 of your 990.

$125:  $25,000 or less
$245:  $25,000-$100,000
$365:  $100,000-$500,000
$485:  $500,000-$1,000,000
$715:  $1,000,000-$3,000,000
$825:  $3,000,000-$5,000,000
$995:  $5,000,000 or more

Business Members

$275 / year

A profit individual or organization that provides services to, or wishes to work with Howard County nonprofit organizations. Business members are for-profit entities who receive benefits that are different than the general member benefits and are more attractive from a business relationship point of view.

Supporting Partners

$500-$5,000 / year

ACS has been connecting the Howard County Community for more than 50 years. We value our partnerships with organizations who want to help us make an impact on the community in which we live.

Dues vary depending on the benefits you choose. Contact us for more information.

Community Advocate Benefits

Your name included in the ACS Annual Directory of Services.
Receive ACS News and Events e-newsletter to stay informed about human services in Howard County.
Network with other human service organizations at monthly General Membership meetings and other ACS events
Be included in ACS-generated publicity efforts.
Join the advocacy efforts for strong and effective human service programs throughout Howard County
Impact public policy discussions with the State and County elected officials
Shape ACS programs and priorities by participating on working committees
Attend monthly membership meetings featuring presentations on human services topics
Receive priority registration and reduced fees at select ACS community events.
Shape ACS programs and priorities by participating on working committees

Community Advocates

$85 / year

Individuals unaffiliated with an organization – at least officially – who are interested in advancing the ACS mission of developing, supporting and promoting the Howard County human services community through education and training, advocacy, and community connections.