What are you changing about NCR Forward Membership?
We’re introducing a tiered membership program, offering additional benefits for members who support us at the $15 level and the $50 level. These benefits include merchandise, and additional Zoom sessions with senior leadership. The benefits for members at the $5 level will remain unchanged.
Why are you doing this?
NCR is dedicated to providing free access to its website ncronline.org, and its e-newsletters. We recognize that many readers are on fixed incomes, members of the clergy, or otherwise unable to pay to access NCR’s quality journalism. As opposed to operating a paywall like many other news outlets, NCR is advocating voluntary membership for those who support NCR’s mission and are financially able to make a recurring contribution.
Unfortunately, print subscriptions and advertisements alone are not enough to offset our costs of publication. By being an NCR member you are providing supporting high quality, independent journalism.
Will this affect my subscription to NCR in print?
No! And we encourage you to continue to be an NCR subscriber in print. Print editions of NCR are essential to our publication. Some of our most loyal readers are print subscribers, NCR Forward members, and Annual Fund Contributors.
Is this different from a donation? Or an Annual Fund Contribution?
Yes. A donation is a one-time contribution. NCR Forward Membership is a recurring contribution, and comes with tiered benefits. Both forms of support help NCR operate, and many of our members are also donors and NCR print subscribers.
What about my subscription to newsletters?
Our email newsletter subscriptions are free of charge, and occasionally supplemented by paid advertising. Membership is NOT a requirement to receive our eNewsletters.
I am a current NCR Forward member. How will this change affect me?
If you’re a current member, and are happy with the benefits you receive at your membership level, nothing will change. If, however, you’re interested in upgrading your membership to the $15 or $50 level, please contact Kayla Bergman (kbergman@ncronline.org) and you will receive the subsequent benefits.
What if I want to increase my monthly donation?
You can visit our self-service portal here. Once you enter the email associated with your NCR Forward account, you will receive a one-time login to your email. Once you login, you can select "Update Recurring Donation" on the right.
What if I want to update my credit card information?
Again, you can visit our self-service portal here. Once you enter the email associated with your NCR Forward account, you will receive a one-time login to your email. Once you login, you can select "Update Recurring Donation" on the right. This will allow you to update your credit card number.
Is the $5 membership going away? That’s all I can afford to give.
No, the $5.00 membership will stay in place as will the current benefits you receive.
I do NOT wish to receive swag or merchandise in the mail, is there any way around this?
We’ve created a button on the NCR membership page that allows an individual to opt out of merchandise. This helps reduce the cost for NCR to operate the program, as well as lessening the environmental impact of your support. So if you prefer not to receive merchandise, feel free to mark the requisite box.
When will I receive the gifts that come with my membership?
Please allow 4-6 weeks for a complimentary code to our NCR store. Merchandise then generally delivers within a week from our third party distributor. Please note, NCR does not hold or control any merchandise.
Will I need a login and a password to read NCRonline?
At this time there will not be a login. It is a feature we will be adding down the road as we are able to offer more membership benefits.
Have another question?
Kayla Bergman
Member Services Coordinator
816-968-2251
kbergman@ncronline.org