ICSW members include a wide range of national non-governmental organisations. They come from more than 70 countries and from each of ICSW’s ten regions: Central & West Africa, East & Southern Africa, North Africa & the Middle East, South & Central Asia, South East Asia & the Pacific, North East Asia, Europe, North America, Central America & the Caribbean , South America. We also have a number of international member organisations which have operations in many different countries.

Organisations may apply for admission to one of four categories of membership. The eligibility criteria for these categories, and their rights to elect members of ICSW’s governing body, are described below.


Category A
National Committees
  • Organisations can become a National Committee of ICSW if they represent a wide range of non-governmental organisations within their own country which seek to enhance social welfare and social development.
  • A National Committee may be a pre-existing organisation or may be established especially for the purpose of ICSW membership. There can be only one National Committee in each country.
  • Each National Committee is entitled to appoint two representatives to ICSW’s governing body, the Committee of Representatives.
  • Annual Fee: The lowest fee is US$ 83 and rises to higher fees for developed countries. (Details available on request)
Category B
International Member Organisations


  • Global and regional organisations can become ICSW members if they are non-governmental organisations and seek to enhance social welfare and social development.
  • Each member in this category is entitled to appoint at least one representative to ICSW’s Committee of Representatives.
  • Annual Fee from US$ 826 to US$ 2,478
Category C
Other Organisations
  • Organisations which seek to enhance social welfare and social development but have not joined as National Committees or International Member Organisations are eligible to become members in this category.
  • Each member in this category is registered as a member in relation to the ICSW region in which it is based. All such organisations in a particular region are entitled to vote amongst themselves to appoint at least two representatives from that region to the Committee of Representatives.
  • Annual Fee: The lowest fee is US$ 83 and rises to higher fees for developed countries. Details available on request
Category D
Government Associates
  • Government associates without voting rights
  • Each member in this category is registered with five Shares
  • Annual Fee is USD 4,130