Membership FAQs

We've recently made updates to FAI Memberships that affect current FAI Members. These updates will go into affect on April 30, 2024.
For more information, see our blog post about these recent updates!

What are the membership levels?

For individual artists and industry professionals:

  • Individual Membership ($99/year)
  • Lifetime Membership ($1,400 one-time)
  • Partner Membership ($140/year)

For bands and organizations:

  • Small Organization / Band ($210/year)
  • Medium Organization ($350/year)
  • Large Organization ($700/year)

Learn more about membership types.

How do I become a member of Folk Alliance International?

Visit this page to read about our different membership options, then pick the one that applies to you and complete the online instructions ending with payment. Dues must be paid before a membership can be active. All memberships are approved instantly after payment confirmation (except the Non-Voting type, which is approved during business hours by our staff).

How do I know whether I need to renew my membership?

FAI uses a universal membership start date of May 1. ALL expiring memberships expire April 30. You’ll also receive reminder emails 15 days prior to the expiration date and 1 day prior. You’ll be notified a third time after the membership expires. Lifetime memberships never expire. Auto-renew membership options are available for all membership types.

How do I find my membership ID number?

When you are logged into your membership, under Manage Profile or Membership Info, view your membership card. It has your member ID#, Membership type and Expiration date. Print it to keep it at hand or just come back to the website anytime you need it.

How long is a membership good for?

Memberships purchased/renewed between May 1 – March 1 expire April 30. There is a grace period of 60 days prior to May 1 where memberships purchased/renew expire the following calendar year.

What’s the difference between voting and non-voting memberships?

Non-voting membership is only for non-industry professionals, non-artist members – mostly active fans, retired, students or enthusiasts. Non-voting memberships are for those who don’t participate in the music industry but still support the goals of Folk Alliance International. Non-voting memberships still have all the same benefits as voting memberships with exceptions to the right to vote and any benefit that applies only to those that work in the folk music industry.

Those who participate in the music industry as a professional or artist should purchase a voting membership.

How does voting work?

Voting memberships all have a “primary contact”. This is the person who purchased the membership. The primary contact for each voting membership will receive the ballot via email. Each membership only receives one (1) ballot, but the ballots are weighted by membership type as follows:


1 vote – Individual & Lifetime
2 votes – Partner
3 votes – Small Organization / Band
5 votes – Medium Organization
10 votes – Large Organization

Sub accounts of a group membership do not receive a ballot. Please collaborate as a group prior to casting the ballot.

Ballots are sent out annually for all board elections, referendums, and member-voted awards.

What’s a partner membership?

This is a membership for two (2) associated individuals. They may be life, business, or performing partners. This membership is not applicable for business, companies or organizations.

How do I know whether I need to renew my membership?

FAI uses a universal membership start date of May 1. ALL expiring memberships expire April 30. You’ll also receive reminder emails 15 days prior to the expiration date and 1 day prior. You’ll be notified a third time after the membership expires. Lifetime memberships never expire. Auto-renew membership options are available for all membership types.

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