NORD’s Membership Criteria
NORD offers two membership levels for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations: Platinum and Gold. Both Platinum and Gold members have access to all of NORD’s membership benefits. The main distinction between the two levels is the eligibility criteria your organization must meet to qualify for membership. Please refer to the information below to determine whether your organization qualifies for Platinum or Gold membership.
Is your organization based outside the United States? Scroll to the bottom of the page for more information about international membership!
Since our inception in 1983, NORD has maintained the highest level of transparency in how we are structured and how we represent the rare disease community. Our reputation for leading with integrity – and with an unbiased patient voice – has been developed over three decades of meaningful action on behalf of individuals affected by rare disease. NORD is known and respected on Capitol Hill and among stakeholders in the rare disease community – and requiring all members to meet Membership criteria helps us maintain that reputation. By adopting a demanding set of criteria, NORD ensures that our 501(c)(3) patient advocacy Member Organizations embody high ethical standards and are free from any outside influences that might interfere with the voice of the patients we seek to represent.
NORD requires that prospective members’ leadership – including the organization’s board, medical advisors and staff – conduct themselves in a professional manner; this includes showing respect to colleagues, rare disease stakeholders, and the community-at-large. The challenges we face are difficult and personal, but only in behaving in a way that invites collaboration and inclusion, will we create the change we need to better serve our communities and fulfill our missions.
Platinum level Membership is available to 501(c)(3) organizations that are currently engaged in medical research, drug development, medical education, coordinating a registry, funding research, RFP review, or any work involving a Medical Advisory Board. Organizations whose mission qualifies for Platinum Membership must meet our Platinum standards of excellence.
Gold level Membership is available to 501(c)(3) organizations that are NOT currently engaged in medical education, research funding, RFP review, registry coordination, or any work involving a Medical Advisory Board. Organizations whose mission qualifies for Gold Membership must meet our Gold standards of excellence.
Criteria for Membership
Please see below for the list of qualifications associated with the Platinum and Gold Membership levels.
Not sure your patient advocacy organization can qualify? We can help! Please access our resources page for templates to assist you with meeting our qualifications.
| Qualification | Platinum | Gold |
|---|---|---|
| A mission and programs that are compatible with NORD’s goal of being patient-centered and advocating on behalf of patients in the rare disease community. | X | X |
| Proof of tax-exempt status pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the international equivalent of this status. | X | X |
| Dated by-laws showing that your mission and programs are compatible with NORD’s goal of being patient-centered and advocating on behalf of patients in the rare disease community. | X | X |
| Bylaws must detail the process for electing board members. *NORD recommends board terms and term limits as a best practice (meaning the number of years per term and a maximum number of consecutive terms a board member may serve). | X | |
| Programs that engage patients, caregivers, medical professionals and supporters in one or more of the following ways: research, professional education, public education & health promotion, health services, community services, advocacy and social action. | X | X |
| An up-to-date website that fully reflects your mission and your diverse patient voices. | X | X |
| A minimum of 5 Board Members that meet at least twice annually (in-person or by conference call). | X | |
| A minimum of 3 Board Members that meet at least twice annually (in-person or by conference call). | X | |
| A minimum of 3 Medical and/or Scientific Advisors. | X | |
| A policy and procedures document for expectations and management of the Medical Advisory Board. Organizations have two years from approval of their membership to meet this standard. | X | |
| Any medical information your organization provides must be medically reviewed and vetted for accuracy by scientific or medical advisors. | X | X |
A Conflict-of-Interest Policy for Board and Staff. NORD Member Organizations must implement a conflict-of-interest policy applicable to the board and key staff, reviewed and signed on an annual basis. Your conflict-of-interest policy must clarify what a conflict of interest is, what board members and employees must do to disclose possible conflicts of interest, and what board members and employees should do to avoid acting inappropriately if and when a conflict of interest does arise. The conflict-of-interest policy should clearly define a consistent process for dealing with conflicts including:
| X | X |
| A Board-approved annual operating budget. | X | X |
| Your Board of Directors must not directly or indirectly have a significant business relationship with your organization which might affect independence in decision making – including, but not limited to employment by a corporation or for-profit enterprise with a vested interest in your disease state, organization and policies. | X | X |
| A Privacy Policy that protects the identity of the patients and families for whom your organization serves. | X | X |
| Your organization must disclose on your website how donations are used. This may involve posting the Form 990, an annual report, or other appropriate information on financials, income, expenses, programs and beneficiaries. | X | X |
International Membership
Is your organization based outside the United States?
NORD can work with you in one of two ways.
- Rare disease-specific international organizations can join at the Platinum Level as “International Members”.
- We also maintain an International Partnership Membership level for umbrella organizations based outside of the US. If your organization would benefit from a strategic partnership with NORD, this relationship can be formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines a shared commitment to improving the lives of rare disease patients and families through international collaboration. Organizations interested in International Partnership should contact NORD’s membership team.