Become an Affiliate

Purpose

The Society’s Affiliate Program is intended to facilitate the development of individuals and groups devoted to serving as the Bay Area’s portal for early music, promoting engagement with historically informed performance spanning centuries and cultures, and creating a community reflective of our region’s diversity.

Eligibility

The applicant for affiliate status must be an individual or organization that shares the aims of the Society. Minimally, this implies a commitment to “music… for educational purposes,” as stated in the Society’s articles of incorporation. Further desirable characteristics include:

  • Emphasis on performance and/or instruction

  • Commitment to an historically-informed approach

  • Intention to operate on a not-for-profit basis

The applicant should have a proven ability to execute the proposed project, whether it is a one-time event or an ongoing initiative, to a high professional standard. This can be demonstrated through the track record of the organization or the individuals involved. The applicant must also show the capability to manage the project effectively and provide necessary reports to the Society and other relevant agencies..

The applicant must demonstrate a clear need for the Society’s support and should simultaneously pursue other, complementary avenues of achieving its goals.

The applicant must be based within 180 miles of San Francisco.

Application Procedures

Applications should be in writing and, among other things, should address such issues as: 

  • the goals and duration of the project

  • the background of the key organizers and participants

  • administrative and financial capabilities 

  • details of relevant previous activities

  • supporting materials might include an audio or video recording, a notice of an upcoming event or performance, press releases and reviews, and an invitation to a rehearsal.

Applications should be mailed to SFEMS, P.O. Box 27495, San Francisco, CA 94127-0495. They will be reviewed and voted on by the Society’s Board of Directors, whose decision is final.

Duration

Once approved by the Board of Directors, an Affiliate will pay a fee (see below) and return a signed contract annually. Each contract term is for one year, starting September 1 and ending August 31.

For an additional fee, the Affiliate may purchase supplemental liability insurance coverage through the Society for the same term.

An Affiliate may join at any time of the year, but fees may not be prorated. 

Benefits of Affiliate Status

The affiliate will be eligible, as determined on a case-by-case basis, to:

  • Use the Society’s corporate and tax-exempt status to facilitate the solicitation of public grants and private donations. All donations are acknowledged and documented by the Society before distribution to the Affiliate. 

  • Obtain liability insurance certificates at a nominal cost

  • Maintain presence on SFEMS site and have a link to their own website/email.

  • The affiliate can also apply to the Society for consulting services in various areas such as planning, organization, finance, accounting, administration, development and fundraising, audience development, booking and tour arrangements, house management, and box office services. These services will be made available at a cost. 

Obligations of Affiliate Status

As an affiliate, it is essential to adhere to the terms outlined in the affiliate agreement. This includes fulfilling reporting requirements, paying fees, and acknowledging the waiver of liability. It is crucial to understand that, legally, all funds received through the Society's support are under the Society's control. Regardless of any specific donor instructions, the Society has the ultimate authority over these funds and will only release them to the affiliate if there is evidence that the project is progressing as agreed upon.


Furthermore, SFEMS expects all participants of the affiliate to maintain an active membership in the Society, considering the close alignment of their purposes with those of the Society.

The affiliate fee for the 2023-2024 year is $100, with an additional $150 fee for liability insurance coverage for venue rentals.