Being an affiliate is an important way to support our work! We welcome groups that offer activities related to our mission, including English country dance, contra and square dance, morris and sword dance, and the music that is an integral part of these traditions.
Benefits of Affiliation
As a CDSS Affiliate, you’ll join the more than 260 groups across the US and Canada who are supporting our shared dance and music community. You’ll also receive:
- CDSS News: our twice-yearly magazine, packed with interesting articles, tunes, dances, and advertising
- Publicity: your group will appear in the CDSS Affiliate Directory, and you can list your events in our community calendar
- Advertising: discount on placing ads in the CDSS News
- CDSS Affiliate eNews: a quarterly eblast with resources and information just for affiliates (see the most recent issues here: May 2023, August 2023, November 2023, February 2024)
- Store consignment: items from the CDSS Store are available on consignment for you to sell at your own events
- Store discount: 10% discount on items from the CDSS Store
- Liability insurance: groups in the US are eligible for group liability insurance
- Tax-exempt status: groups in the US are eligible for federal nonprofit status/501(c)(3) tax exemption
- Summer camp programs: you are eligible for priority admission and matching scholarships
And also enjoy the benefits we offer to all groups:
- Advice: we offers advice on programming, group organization, financial reporting, bylaws writing, registration procedures, sound equipment, and staff suggestion
- Financial assistance: grants are available to help groups start new events (weeks, weekends, festivals), train leaders, create publications, and provide equity trainings for organizers
- Equipment rental: ritual dance equipment (swords, hankies, bellpads) is available on short term loan and for a modest fee
Become an Affiliate
US Groups
CDSS Affiliates in the US are eligible for group liability insurance and 501(c)(3) status, as well as all of the perks offered to all affiliates.
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Affiliation
- Receive all issues of CDSS News magazine
- Inclusion in the CDSS Group Directory and events calendar
- 50% discount on News ads
- 10% discount on CDSS Store items; items also available for resale
- Priority admission and Matching Scholarships for CDSS camp programs
$100
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Affiliation + 501c3
- All Affiliate member benefits
- Federal nonprofit tax exempt status (useful for nonprofit bulk mail permits, tax-exempt donations, discounted venue rentals, and more)
$175
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Affiliation + Insurance
- All Affiliate member benefits
- Group liability insurance, based on the number of days insured per year
1-20 days: $700
21-40 days: $900
41-70 days: $1050
71+ days: $1200 -
Affiliation + Insurance + 501c3
- All Affiliate member benefits
- Group liability insurance
- Tax-exempt status
1-20 days: $775
21-40 days: $975
41-70 days: $1125
71+ days: $1275
Per-day/single event insurance is available for Affiliates for $75/day.
Canadian Groups
CDSS Affiliates in Canada receive all of the perks offered to all CDSS Affiliates, but are not eligible for insurance or nonprofit coverage.
The affiliate membership fee for Canadian groups is adjusted annually to match the current exchange rate. The fee for Canadian groups is $75 USD.
International Groups
CDSS Affiliates outside of the US and Canada receive all of the perks offered to all CDSS Affiliates, but are not eligible for insurance or nonprofit coverage. The membership fee for international groups is $100 USD per year.
All Affiliate memberships renew on May 1 of each year.
Become an Affiliate Renew Your Affiliate Membership
Contact Us
Ben Williams
Publications, Sales, and Services Manager
- insurance and 501(c)(3)
- store inquiries
- new Affiliates/renewals
Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.
