Chicago Cultural Alliance
Process for Becoming an Associate

The Chicago Cultural Alliance is a membership organization comprising two types of members: Core Members are community-based ethnic museums and cultural centers; Partner Institutions include large organizations with a cultural interest, such as but not limited to museums, universities, libraries, public schools, and governmental agencies. The Alliance also has Associates, non-member organizations and individuals who may propose or participate in an Alliance program or project.

Prospective Associates may approach the Alliance with a proposed project at an early stage to ensure that the Alliance and its Core Members collaborate in shaping the project. Proposed projects will be submitted to and discussed by the Program Committee. After committee review, a project proposal will be forwarded with a recommendation to the board. Proposed projects will be adopted with a 75% board approval.

Board decisions will be based upon the following criteria:

• Will the proposed project help the Alliance advance its mission?
• Does the proposed Associate bring resources to the Alliance? Describe these resources.
• Is the proposed new project in line with the priority areas that have been agreed upon during the Alliance’s annual strategic planning board meeting?
• Does the proposed Associate have funding or resources to support the project? Do these resources include covering the necessary outlay of time and resources by the Alliance and Core Member organizations to execute the project or implement the program?
• Does the proposed new project require raising funds? If so, the Alliance Program Committee must be involved from an early stage of the planning. Moreover, the Alliance Fundraising Committee must review and endorse the proposal before it is submitted to funders. This review will ensure that the proposal and its outcomes, whether intended or not, are in line with the values of the Alliance.

If you wish to propose Associate status/project applications, contact:
Sherry Williams, Program Committee chair
Bronzeville/Black Chicagoan Historical Society
chgoblackhistory@sbcglobal.net

Download Memorandum of Understanding (pdf)