Membership agreement template
A membership agreement is how an association, chamber, co-op or member-run nonprofit signs up members: the category they join, the dues, what membership includes, and the bylaws they agree to follow. This template is written for organizations whose members pay yearly dues and get a vote or a voice. Read it below, then open it in SignMaster and send it to new members, or put it on your join page.
Updated November 5, 2026 · 3 min read
The contract
Gray blanks are yours to fill in before you send. Each signer fills in the blanks in their color.
- You, before sending
- Member
- Organization representative
Membership Agreement
This Membership Agreement (the "Agreement") is made on Agreement date between Organization name (the "Organization") and Member name (the "Member"). If the Member joins on behalf of a business or institution, that body is Member organization, and the person signing confirms they may sign for it.
1. Membership category and term
The Member joins in the Membership category category. Membership runs for Term in months months from Membership start date. About Renewal notice days days before it ends, the Organization will send a renewal notice with the next term's dues.
Membership renews automatically only if the Member ticks this box: Please renew my membership each term at the dues then in effect until I cancel. The Member can turn off automatic renewal at any time before the renewal date.
2. Dues
- Dues for this term: Dues amount, payable When dues are payable.
- One-time joining fee, if any: Joining fee.
- Dues for later terms are set as the bylaws provide, and the Organization will announce any change at least Dues change notice days days before it applies.
- Dues aren't refunded for part of a term, except as section 7 allows.
3. Benefits
This category includes: Member benefits. The Organization may change, add or withdraw benefits from time to time and will tell members about significant changes. Voting and the right to hold office are governed by the bylaws.
4. Bylaws, policies and conduct
The Member agrees to follow the Organization's bylaws, code of conduct and policies, available at Bylaws location, as they are amended from time to time. Members treat staff, volunteers and other members with respect, in person and online, and don't use member lists or events to sell to other members without permission.
5. Use of the Organization's name
While the membership is active, the Member may say that they are a member. The Member won't use the Organization's name or logo in a way that suggests the Organization endorses the Member's products, services or views, unless the Organization agrees in writing.
6. Member information
The Organization uses the Member's details to run the membership and send news, renewal notices and meeting notices by email. It does not sell member information. The Member's name and contact details appear in the member directory unless the Member ticks here: Please leave me out of the directory.
7. Resigning
The Member may resign at any time by writing to the Organization. Resigning ends the benefits at the end of the paid term, unless the Member resigns within Days for a full refund days of joining, in which case the dues are refunded in full.
8. Suspension and removal
If dues are more than Days overdue before suspension days overdue, benefits may be paused until they are paid. For a serious or repeated breach of the code of conduct, the Organization may suspend or end a membership after giving the Member written notice of the concern and a fair chance to respond, as the bylaws describe.
9. Events and facilities
When attending events or using facilities, the Member follows the rules posted there and is responsible for their own conduct, guests and belongings. Some activities may need a separate waiver.
10. General terms
If this Agreement and the bylaws conflict, the bylaws control. This Agreement is governed by the laws of the state of State, and electronic signatures on it count as originals.
Member contact details
Mailing address: Member mailing address
Phone: Member phone Email: Member email
I have read this Agreement and the bylaws and code of conduct it refers to, and I agree to follow them as a member.
Member
For the Organization
Opens it in SignMaster as a template you can edit and send.
A starting point, not legal advice. Have a lawyer review it for your state and situation.
On this page
When a membership agreement makes sense
Not every organization needs one. A newsletter list doesn't. But once members pay dues, vote on officers, appear in a directory or can be removed for conduct, a short signed agreement keeps everyone on the same page. It ties the member to your bylaws and code of conduct, explains how renewal works, and gives your board a fair process to follow when something goes wrong.
It also protects the organization's name. Members in a professional association often want to say they belong; the agreement lets them, without implying you endorse their business.
What the template covers
- Who joins: an individual, or a person signing for a business or institution.
- Category and term: the membership level, its length and start date, and a renewal notice before it ends.
- Opt-in renewal: automatic renewal only if the member ticks the box, and an easy way to turn it off.
- Dues: the amount, when it's due, an optional joining fee, notice of changes, and no partial refunds.
- Benefits, bylaws and conduct, including no selling to other members without permission.
- Use of your name and logo, and a directory opt-out.
- Resigning, suspension and removal, with notice and a chance to respond.
Mistakes to avoid
- Contradicting your bylaws. If the bylaws say members may be removed only by a two-thirds board vote, the agreement must not promise something different. Section 10 says the bylaws win.
- Renewing by default without consent. Opt-in renewal is friendlier and avoids automatic renewal rules that apply in many states.
- Listing everyone in the directory. Give members a way to stay out of it, especially in small communities.
- No process for removal. Removing a member with no notice or hearing invites a dispute; describe the steps here and in the bylaws.
Running a gym or a social club?
For fitness facilities, the fitness membership agreement covers dues, freezes and health club rules. For a sports or hobby club signing up whole families, the shorter club membership form fits better.
How to send it with SignMaster
- 1
Open the template
Choose Use this template. The member signs first and your membership officer countersigns.
- 2
Set up each category
Fill in the gray blanks: organization name, category, term, dues, benefits, where your bylaws are posted and the refund window. Duplicate the template for each membership level.
- 3
Put it on your join page
Create a public signing link and link it from your website. Each new member fills in the blue blanks, contact details, renewal and directory choices, and signs.
- 4
Or send it after a vote
If your board approves applications first, send the agreement to approved applicants by email instead, with a sign-by date.
- 5
Countersign and welcome them
When you countersign, both sides get the signed PDF. On paid plans, signers can be saved to Contacts automatically, so your member list builds itself.
Renewal season
If your membership year starts on the same date for everyone, export last year's members and use bulk send to send each one a renewal agreement with their category and dues filled in from the spreadsheet. The Responses tab then shows who renewed, who opted into automatic renewal, and who asked to stay out of the directory.
Questions? Answers.
Do members need to sign the bylaws too?
Usually not separately. The agreement says the member has read the bylaws and will follow them, which binds them as effectively as a signature on each page.
Can a company be a member?
Yes. Fill in the member organization blank, and the person signing confirms they can sign for it. Name who uses the benefits in the benefits blank.
What's the difference between this and a club membership form?
This agreement suits associations with dues, bylaws and voting. A club membership form is shorter and gathers family details, emergency contacts and volunteer hours for a local club.
Is an electronically signed membership agreement binding?
Yes, for most agreements. Federal and state e-signature laws give it the same effect as a signature on paper.