How the National Office Can Help Chapters

Here are a few tools to help you manage your chapter more efficiently.

Ways to Connect with Your Members (PDF): Tips on improving relations with members.



Host a Fundraiser

Grants are just one way to raise funds for your chapter. Read about nine others in our 10 (Enjoyable, Reliable, Resourceful) Ways To Raise Funds for Your Chapter (PDF).



Get Grant Funding

Looking for a grant to fund chapter conservation or outdoor recreation programs? Check the IWLA Endowment website for details on their grant programs.

Following are additional resources to help chapters find grants to fund conservation and outdoor recreation projects:



501c3 Compliance

The IWLA national bylaws (Sections 5.8, 5.9 and 5.10) and IRS regulations require submission of certain information annually. As a result, we request that all chapters and state divisions submit the following information no later than August 16, 2024:

  • A current copy of your Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation. Please see cover letter (linked below) for NEW requirements for chapters beginning in 2024.
  • A copy of your most recent IRS 990, 990-EZ or 990-N postcard.
  • Copies of any corporate filings made with your state within the last 12 months (e.g., updated reports for corporate registration, current certification to solicit funds).
  • Certificate of insurance listing your state division (if applicable) and the national organization as additional insureds.
  • A completed copy of the chapter/division questionnaire describing conservation and education charitable activities conducted in 2023.

To help you complete your chapter/division questionnaire, we have provided samples with short descriptions of activities that chapters and divisions have submitted in previous years as well as a letter with more information and tips regarding the process.

The compliance checklist makes it easy to identify documents that have not been updated since last year or filings that are not required. Completing and submitting the checklist with other materials will reduce or eliminate emails and calls from national staff requesting information that is identified in the national bylaws, but that was not submitted by your chapter or division because it has not been amended or is not applicable.

All materials should be sent to the attention of Lia Murphy.

  • Via email to lmurphy@iwla.org
  • Via fax to (301) 548-0149
  • Via U.S. mail to IWLA, 707 Conservation Lane, Gaithersburg MD 20878-2983

If you have questions about national bylaw requirements or this process overall, contact Scott Kovarovics, Executive Director at (301) 548-0150 ext. 223 or skovarovics@iwla.org.