About the New Model
The membership model is changing to create a system that is simpler, more inclusive, and more sustainable for the Franciscan Federation. The aim is to reduce administrative burden, make membership more equitable across different community sizes, and ensure long-term viability for the organization.
The goals behind the changes to the membership model include simplifying the dues process to make it easier to understand, ensuring the dues are more equitable so that all communities—whether large or small—pay a fair amount relative to their size, making membership more inclusive by allowing communities to include lay associates and employees, and securing the financial sustainability of the Franciscan Federation for the future.
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The new membership model offers numerous benefits, including simpler and clearer membership dues, giving communities greater flexibility to determine who is included in their membership. It ensures more equitable costs by establishing a consistent per-person fee, improves administrative efficiency for both member communities and the Federation, and enhances long-term financial sustainability for the organization and its members. Additionally, there is a strong commitment to providing regular, relevant programming and monthly opportunities for meaningful connection within the Franciscan community.
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Eligibility & Membership Types
Community Membership is open to recognized Franciscan communities, including canonical religious communities (congregations, fraternities, provinces), as well as lay intentional communities, Secular Franciscans, Ecumenical Franciscans, and associate groups. Membership is available to all such communities regardless of their size or composition.
Community Membership is designed for entire Franciscan communities, whether canonical, lay, or including employees and affiliates, with all members belonging to that unit receiving full membership benefits. Individual Membership is intended for persons who wish to join the Franciscan Federation independently of any specific community affiliation.
Yes. The model is intentionally broad, “expanding our tent to include all expressions of Franciscan life,” including both the Secular and Ecumenical Franciscan communities.
Yes. Communities now have the option to include not just vowed religious but also lay associates and selected employees in their membership count for dues purposes.
The new Community Membership model has eliminated the separate “Associate” membership category. Instead, Associates are now included in one of two ways: either as part of their sponsoring canonical community’s membership or within the Lay community membership category. This change streamlines membership while recognizing the full scope of those involved in Franciscan community life and ministry.
At this time, individual membership dues are not changing. However, the Franciscan Federation is currently reviewing the individual membership model and expects to release a new updated model in the Spring of 2026.
Dues & Payment
No. You only need to pay the dues associated with Level 2. Likewise, for all levels, you only pay that dues rate.
Communities report a single total number that includes all vowed religious, optional lay affiliates, and select employees.
You must include all vowed religious, all lay associates/affiliates if you choose to include this designation, and select employees if desired. The total is reported to the Federation for dues calculation.
Report your community’s size as of December 31 of the previous year. If numbers have recently changed, share the updated count during registration or your next reporting period.
The majority of communities can expect little to no change in their contributions, and some may even see a decrease. We anticipate only a small number of communities will experience an increase in dues. Any community that will have an increase in dues will be able to meet with the Federation office before any of these changes take effect.
Including more individuals (lay affiliates or employees) increases your membership count, which may move your community into a higher dues tier since dues are based on the total number of people included. However, for associate communities, if they are incorporated into their sponsoring community’s membership, this often reduces the total dues they pay collectively. Conversely, associate communities that choose to remain separate from their sponsoring communities will see an increase in their dues under the new model.
Communities may pay their dues online, through ACH transfer, or by check. Contact the Franciscan Federation to determine the best payment method for your community.
The Franciscan Federation will engage in one-on-one conversations with each community before the new dues implementation takes place. During these discussions, any financial concerns or requests for accommodations can be addressed to ensure equitable participation. Communities are encouraged to communicate openly so that their specific needs can be considered.
Transition & Timing
The new community membership model will take effect on January 1, 2026. In the coming months, the Franciscan Federation will be preparing for this transition by meeting with communities individually and providing education and resources to help them get ready for the change. These one-on-one conversations and support efforts will ensure a smooth and informed implementation process.
Current member communities will be contacted for a one-on-one conversation as part of the transition. Each community will be asked to provide a single total number for their members (including religious, optional associates, and select employees). Support materials and clear explanations will be provided. There will be no changes without dialogue with each community.
During the transition, the Federation will communicate directly with each member community about the timing and mechanics of renewals and billing. Our traditional renewal period is changing, and this year the renewal period will run from January 1 through February 28. Clear instructions will be shared, and communities will not be surprised by any shifts—renewal timing and cycles will be clarified in those direct conversations.
Member Benefits & Support
Each member of a registered community enjoys full membership benefits, including discounts on events such as the Annual Federation Conference and virtual retreats, access to regular and relevant programming with at least one event per month plus small group “Connection Circles,” and full participation in a diverse and expanding Franciscan network. Members also receive a quarterly newsletter, access to a variety of resources, and an updated member resource portal. Additionally, they benefit from numerous opportunities for networking, spiritual enrichment, and leadership development. These benefits extend broadly to vowed members, lay associates, employees, and individuals belonging to new types of Franciscan communities.
The Federation is committed to strong communication, support materials, and opportunities for dialogue. Ongoing programming, such as monthly events and updated resources, reinforces ongoing support beyond the transition year.
Membership Numbers & Updates
All communities, regardless of size, use the same system: reporting their total number (including all religious, optional associates, and select employees) as of December 31 of the previous year. This ensures fairness and standardization.
New communities are warmly welcomed. You may join by completing the community membership registration online and indicating your membership type and numbers. Federation staff are available to assist and answer questions throughout the process.
The new structure is intentionally flexible to welcome international and non-traditional communities. The Federation invites “all expressions of Franciscan life” and is open to unique cases; if you have any questions, contact us at franfedoffice@franfed.org to discuss your community membership.
Data will be collected during registration and renewal periods, typically via secure online forms. Personal data is protected, can be requested by members, and is only used for membership, billing, and relevant communications. Data is stored securely and not shared outside needed uses.
Communities should report their numbers as of December 31 of the previous year for dues. If significant changes occur mid-year, communicate with the Federation for guidance—they emphasize flexibility and openness to dialogue.
Yes. Every community will be contacted directly to review, discuss, and confirm their dues level before any changes are finalized. The Federation stresses collaborative decision-making and transparency in assignments.
If your community has unique circumstances, you are encouraged to contact the Franciscan Federation directly for guidance and support throughout your membership journey.