The Fulbright Association is what is known as a "top-down" federated membership organization whose affiliates are called chapters. Organized locally by Fulbright Association members, chapters provide opportunities for Fulbright Association members to continue their Fulbright experience and to support the Fulbright Program.
The national organization is the group within the federation to which all members belong. The top-down arrangement means that the national organization has the duty of enrolling members, providing a focus for programming and collecting dues for distribution to affiliates. The national organization is responsible for obtaining the group tax exemption that covers chapters, for maintaining the membership and other databases, for providing chapter mailings, and for technical assistance on program development and communications.
Chapters are affiliated, unincorporated associations which apply for and receive charters, approve standard bylaws and enter into Affiliation Agreements to maintain their affiliation with the national organization and to receive services and benefits from national headquarters. Chapters are required to submit periodic program and financial reports and to follow policies and guidelines of the Association. Chapters in compliance are eligible to receive a dues rebate of $5.00 per member in their geographic area as of December 31 of the reporting year.
Chapter responsibilities include developing and implementing educational and cultural programs. Each chapter must hold at least two events a year. Chapter programs give participants the opportunity to learn, to participate and to be recognized for their contributions.
