Membership Information

While the Alliance anticipates collaboration with a cadre of senior scholars from multiple institutions and agencies who will team with Alliance personnel as investigators and report writers, there are additional fixed costs that must be addressed.  These costs include graduate assistants, a small administrative staff, and unsponsored project expenses. 

The costs of the Alliance will be funded by two primary sources, institutional memberships and sponsored projects.  Institutions, agencies, and other parties interested in the work of the Alliance are invited to participate in and finance the Alliance’s endeavors.  The goal of the Alliance is to be fully supported by July 1, 2008, when start-up funds expire.

The Alliance seeks to merge the best of business models and academic research in its operation and management.  At this time, there are three membership levels, Partners, Supporters, and Friends.  The membership levels are intended to provide institutions, agencies, and individuals with an option appropriate to their individual needs.

Partners in the Alliance will receive the following benefits:

• A seat on the Alliance Board to determine the partnership projects and priorities of the Alliance;
• A vote in all matters brought before the Board;
• Institution-specific reports as available related to the annual studies;
• One or more presentations at the partner institution on project results when requested;
• Access to a secured web site with reports and links to Alliance-related policy studies; and,
• Regular newsletters with items of interest to the membership. 

Supporters of the Alliance will receive the following:

• A voice in determining projects and priorities through discussions with the Alliance Director;
• Copies of all final project reports after their review and approval by the Board;
• One institution-specific report as available related to annual studies; and,
• Regular newsletters with items of interest to the membership.

Friends of the Alliance are those individuals who are interested in supporting specific projects or in requesting a specific research endeavor.  Friends will be charged based on the requirements for their requests, and all Friends will receive the Alliance Newsletter as well as information on policy studies in their area of interest. 

Alliance Director Catherine Watt will be happy to work with you and answer any questions you may have.