Membership FAQs

What are the benefits of membership? The primary benefit of membership is that it helps the organization offer discounted tuition at $950 to all adult campers, even steeper tuition discounts to youth campers, and covers our incredible team of work exchange recipients. The true cost per camper, regardless of age or work exchange status, is around $1,200 per person. As an organization, we want to ensure that our workshops remain accessible, so we make up the difference through fundraising and membership. Through the combined efforts of individuals, families, bands, choruses, dance groups, corporations, and matching funds, we’re able to hold the line at $950, and we plan to continue doing so for as long as we responsibly can.

There are some additional perks, too. When you become a member, you get your name on the EEFC website. Individual Members get a $10 Kafana card. Households of note or higher get a $20 Kafana card, and Group Members are eligible for the fiscal sponsorship through the EEFC on mission-aligned and approved projects. But our favorite perk is the warm, fuzzy feeling you get from supporting the music, dance, songs, and community you love.

When is the best time to become a member/renew my membership? January and February! This is when the organizations puts down payments on a lot of the hard costs associated with our workshops, and funds are tightest. 

How long does my membership last? Unless you are a Lifetime Member, your membership ends with the calendar year. In other words, regardless of when you join, your membership will end on December 31st of that year. For example, if you renew your membership for 2019 on December 30th, your membership will end on December 31st, 2019 at midnight. This is why we encourage donors to join/renew in January and February. However, your membership is most welcome at any time of year. 

Which membership is most helpful to the EEFC? Sustaining members are the lifeblood of our organization. Thanks to the financial predictability they provide, we’re able to plan ahead, pay our staff and bills on time, and stay focused on what really matters–promoting, celebrating, and educating the public about Balkan music, dance, and cultures. 

I can’t afford the Individual Subsidized membership level. Are there other ways for me to contribute? Yes! Membership levels are just suggestions. You can donate at any amount at any time. Even $1 is meaningful to us. If financial support isn’t an option, consider donating your time or expertise. You can join a committee, host a fundraising event, or promote our workshops by passing out flyers and sending email invitations to friends. If you need organizational support for your fundraising ideas, please reach out to media@eefc.org. 

I donated $75 or more to the EEFC via the auction at one of your workshops. Am I a member? Auction donations, although very much appreciated, do not count toward membership, because you are purchasing goods and services.