What is a Love INC affiliate?
Local affiliates are the essence of Love INC. Every Love INC affiliate is individually incorporated and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with its own board of directors, executive director, staff, and volunteers.
An affiliate is a network of churches working together, across denominational lines, to serve people in need. A minimum of six churches from six different denominations is required to start a Love INC affiliate, although most affiliates grow to include anywhere from several dozen to hundreds of churches working together in its community.
Community agencies are also integral to the Love INC model. Agencies refer requests for assistance to Love INC and serve as a source of help to clients. The successful partnership of church and non-church entities fulfills Love INC’s goal of creating a holistic, collaborative outreach to meeting needs.
While each Love INC affiliate is unique with its own mix of programs and services to meet the needs of its community, all affiliates possess certain fundamental characteristics.
For characteristics of a Love INC affiliate, click here.
How does a Love INC affiliate get started in a community?
- Love INC National responds to inquiries about Love INC with a free information packet.
- An individual or group interested in forming a Love INC affiliate orders a Development Kit ($50) from National.
- A development committee of local Christians is formed to cast the vision for Love INC in their community.
- Assisted by Love INC National, the development committee forms a nonprofit corporation and implements the steps toward affiliation, including identifying at least six partner churches from six different denominations.
- The development committee raises a one-time affiliation fee from churches and individuals in the community. An Affiliate Agreement is signed with Love INC National, giving the affiliate permission to use the Love INC name, logo, and model.
- Love INC National trains the affiliate in the Love INC model and in how to operate the Love INC Clearinghouse.
- The development committee selects a board of directors and the board hires an executive director.
- Love INC National provides ongoing support, training, and guidance throughout the life of the affiliate.
Call (800) 777-5277 or email info@loveinc.org to order a free Love INC information packet.