Considerations Before Starting A Chapter

Considerations before starting
your own Sigma chapter
Questions to consider before starting a chapter
• Why do we want to have a Sigma chapter?
• How will a Sigma chapter benefit nursing students and professional nurses locally?
• Do we have at least five individuals who will commit to leading the chapter?
• What do nurses in our community need most?
• Can the chapter plan and offer two or more programs for members each year?
• Do members have the ability to pay annual membership fees determined by the chapter?
Viability and sustainability considerations

Sigma provides support as well as several tools, resources, and suggested best practices to help
chapter leaders ensure that a chapter will develop and function properly. If a chapter maintains
continual leadership, relevant programs and activities to engage members, operational goals that are
aligned with a well-planned budget, consistent communication with members, and strong recruitment
and retention practices, the chapter will be successful.
Legal considerations
Chapters are required to operate according to Sigma’s chapter bylaws but also need to adhere to
the registration, reporting, and taxation laws and requirements of their country. Because laws and
requirements can vary greatly from country to country and can be ever-changing, the developing
chapter should research local requirements and seek legal advice. Staff will offer some resource
assistance.
Financial considerations
According to Sigma’s International Bylaws, chapters are independent, autonomous organizations.
Chapters are officially and legally affiliated with Sigma. Chapters are not legally affiliated with the
university where they are located. Chapters determine the amounts of their fees and assessments.
Chapters have control of their income, expenses, contracts, accounting systems, and internal reports.
Membership fees are collected by Sigma. The chapter’s portion of membership fees are disbursed to the
chapter up to three times per year.
Financial and budgeting considerations

Because Sigma chapters are independent, autonomous organizations, Sigma expects chapters
to be self-sustaining and to run the chapter as a business. While university financial support of the
developing chapter is not required, some universities or schools of nursing do provide start-up funding,
annual financial support, or in-kind donations, such as meeting space, use of copier, office supplies,
postage, etc., to help support the chapter. The following are common revenue and expenses for chapter
operation:
Considerations before starting
your own Sigma chapter
Revenue and expenses of the chapter

Revenue (Income) Factors in determining actual cost
Members pay an induction fee when they join the chapter. This fee pays for the services to a member
Induction fee for the first year. The average induction fee is ultimately decided by the chapter board of directors
during budget planning and based on the planned goals and operations of the future chapter.
Renewal fee Members are asked to renew their membership annually.
If culturally appropriate, chapters may charge fees to attend chapter programs. The program fees
Chapter programs can help defray costs related to hosting programs or generate revenue. Typically, chapters offer free
or discounted programs to members while charging non-members a full-price registration fee.
Some chapters have been successful at raising money through donations or contributions.
Donations
Contributions can be from individuals or companies and in the form of money or services.
Some chapters have been successful in obtaining sponsorship money for programs and activities
Sponsorships
from local companies.
Occasionally, chapters have found other non-governmental organizations to support the chapter
Grants through grants. Grants are usually for specific purposes such as conferences, specific projects for
improving healthcare, or community service events organized by the chapter.
Other fundraising
If culturally and legally appropriate, groups may conduct fundraising events for the chapter.
activities
Expenses Factors in determining actual cost

Induction ceremonies can be as simple or elaborate as the chapter wishes or can afford. An
Induction ceremony induction ceremony doesn’t need to cost a lot of money. Many chapters save money by using a
university venue free of charge and include a meal or small reception.
Chapters are required to hold two or more programs per year for members. Most chapters find free
Chapter programs presenters. If speakers require a fee, this cost can be paid for via grants, sponsorships, program
registration fees, or fundraising.
Most chapters communicate electronically via email, websites, or social media. If printing letters,
Communications
postcards, or flyers, consider printing and mailing costs.
Each Sigma chapter is charged an annual fee, which helps cover the cost of various services
provided by Sigma headquarters. These services assist chapter leaders in efforts to recruit,
Chapter services fee
engage, and retain members. The fee is automatically deducted from the September chapter fee
disbursement.
Chapter liability Required chapter liability insurance is provided by Sigma. Depending on local nonprofit laws and/or
insurance (required) event venues, chapters may also opt to obtain additional supplemental liability insurance.
Other insurance Directors and officers insurance and officer bonding are optional. The chapter may obtain these
(optional) coverages locally, if desired.
Financial It is highly recommended that chapters arrange a review or audit of the chapter’s finances every two
review/audit years (or as determined by local nonprofit laws).
If the chapter conducts fundraising activities, there will likely be activity-related expenses. Expenses
Fundraising
will vary based on the activity.
Upon approval, the new chapter will be invoiced for a one-time chartering fee of US $450. Payment is
Chartering fee
expected prior to the official chartering ceremony.
Chapters are required to send two chapter delegates to Sigma’s biennial convention every two years.
Delegates A budgetary plan is necessary to ensure delegates’ attendance and participation during the House of
Delegates business sessions.

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Considerations Before Starting A Chapter

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Considerations before starting

your own Sigma chapter

Questions to consider before starting a chapter

• Why do we want to have a Sigma chapter?

• What do nurses in our community need most?

Viability and sustainability considerations

Financial and budgeting considerations

Revenue and expenses of the chapter

Expenses Factors in determining actual cost

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