Membership Program Standards
ActBlue supports membership programs that provide real value to donors. These programs strengthen the relationship between organizations and their supporters while maintaining transparency about what donors receive in exchange for their contributions.
Our Policy
Section 7 of ActBlue's Account Use Policy requires that all text and email fundraising solicitations may not include false or unsubstantiated claims. As part of this broader requirement, Section 7 specifically prohibits solicitations that "insinuate expiration of non-existent memberships or subscriptions." This policy protects donors from deceptive fundraising tactics.
What We Prohibit
We do not allow entities on ActBlue to:
- Claim that donors have memberships that need renewal or are expiring when no actual membership program exists or the donor never initially subscribed.
- Offer "Democratic Party Memberships" or similar titles that falsely suggest direct affiliation with the Democratic Party or other established organizations when no such relationship exists.
What Model Membership Programs Look Like
A model membership program offers donors tangible benefits in exchange for their support. These can include:
- Physical or digital membership cards or credentials
- Access to exclusive email lists or updates
- Member-only events or briefings
- Special recognition or status within the organization
- Store discounts or other member perks
- Other meaningful benefits that provide value to the donor
Need Help?
If you would like to report a possible violation of the Account Use Policy, please visit this page to learn more.
If you're a campaign or organization unsure whether your planned program meets our guidelines, please contact your ActBlue representative or reach out to us here for review before launching your program. We're here to help you fundraise effectively while maintaining the trust of our donor community.