Dear GlobalWA Community,
We are excited to share Global Washington’s new approach to membership. Based on your feedback, we’ve made improvements to reflect both the evolving needs of our community and our bold new strategy.
For nearly two decades, GlobalWA has served as the hub for Washington State’s global development community. Together, we’ve built a vibrant ecosystem where nonprofits, philanthropies, businesses, academic institutions, and individuals connect, learn, and amplify their collective impact. As we enter a new phase, we are evolving how we work with you—our members and partners—to ensure our community is more connected, more resilient, and more influential in shaping the future of global development.
A Streamlined Membership Model
We believe everyone should have access to GlobalWA tools, knowledge, and spaces to help organizations and individuals grow stronger, savvier, and more resilient. That’s why we’re moving away from the tiered “Cascades–Himalayas” membership structure to one aligned with organizational capacity, ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table. We now offer two clear pathways for engagement:
GlobalWA Community Membership
For individuals and organizations seeking connection, shared learning, and collective action across Washington’s global development ecosystem. Community Members receive discounted access to GlobalWA events and the annual conference, access to curated tools and peer-learning resources, job and event postings, and our monthly newsletter with sector updates.
Contributions start at $125 for individuals and $350 for organizations.
Leadership Circle Membership
For senior leaders, philanthropists, and organizations who wish to make a deeper investment to growth and resilience for the entire sector. Leadership Circle Members receive all of the above plus VIP convenings, co-authorship and early access to research, priority speaking and visibility opportunities, and sector-wide recognition as core supporters driving this work.
Contributions start at $2,500 for individuals and organizations.
What Your Membership Supports
While we may have been conceived as a traditional membership association, our work has long been to support a broader mission-driven community. We’re expanding how we think about funding our mission and impact. As we look ahead, your support will power GlobalWA’s three strategic pillars:
- Convene: We bring together Washington’s global development ecosystem through curated events, storytelling, and shared platforms for dialogue to facilitate meaningful cross-sector collaboration and partnerships that reflect real community needs.
- Strengthen: We invest in our members’ growth and sustainability by providing tools, knowledge, and spaces that help individuals and organizations grow capacity, navigate complexity, and scale their impact.
- Mobilize: We drive sector-wide momentum through research, data-driven advocacy, and strategic communications that amplify our collective voice and promote the economic and strategic value of this ecosystem in Washington state.
What This Means for You
- If you are currently a member at the Atlas level ($1,000) or below, your existing benefits will continue under the new GlobalWA Community membership.
- If you are currently a member at the Kilimanjaro ($2,000) level or above, you will automatically become a member of the Leadership Circle. You will have the choice to renew at the Leadership Circle level ($2,500 or above) or convert to a Community Member.
- If you are not a member and considering membership, we encourage you to explore which membership option is right for you. If your organization is ready to make a deeper impact, we invite you to join the Leadership Circle.
Why Now?
The global development sector is facing unprecedented challenges. In 2025, USAID programs were cut by 83%. The scale and speed of these cuts created chaos—resulting in disrupted funding streams, severed partnerships abroad, staff reductions, program cancellations, and the difficult task of maintaining global operations while navigating an entirely transformed foreign aid landscape. Without coordinated infrastructure, organizations and individuals experience diminished impact, missed opportunities, and higher burnout. This cross-sector community is a global force for change. GlobalWA’s updated model ensures that together, we can:
- Build a stronger collective voice for Washington State’s global development sector.
- Provide the tools and spaces needed to grow capacity and scale impact.
- Mobilize research, advocacy, and resources to position Washington as a national leader in global development.
Join Us
Sign up or renew your membership here. To confirm your membership level or explore joining the Leadership Circle, please visit https://globalwa.org/membership/, reply to this email, or reach out to us at info@globalwa.org.
Thank you for being an essential part of this community. Together, we are building a more connected, resilient, and influential sector—one that can better advance equity, sustainability, and shared prosperity at home and abroad.
With gratitude,
Elizabeth Stokely
Executive Director