Membership Guidelines and Standards

Full membership shall be limited to those organizations within the State of North Carolina that: (a) meet the free and charitable clinic definition and full membership standards and (b) are not Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC). Each Full Member shall have one vote on all matters put forth to the Members for vote and are eligible to serve on the Association’s Board of Directors.

Free and charitable clinics are safety-net health care organizations that utilize a volunteer/staff model to provide a range of medical, dental, pharmacy, vision and/or behavioral health services to economically disadvantaged individuals. Such clinics are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations or operate as a program component or affiliate of a 501(c)(3) organization. Entities that otherwise meet the above definition, but charge a nominal/sliding fee to patients, may still be considered free or charitable clinics provided essential services are delivered regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. Free or charitable clinics restrict eligibility for their services to individuals who are uninsured, underinsured and/or have limited or no access to primary, specialty or prescription health care.

For information please call us at 336-251-1111. To download a Membership Application, click here.

North Carolina Association of Free & Charitable Clinics Member Benefits

Member Opportunities

• Voting member of the Association
• Option to serve on the Board of Directors

Association Support

• Advocacy including lobbyist at the North Carolina General Assembly
• Assistance with applying for NCAFCC Accreditation status
• Federal Tort Claims Act application assistance
• NCAFCC-developed marketing and branding materials
• Monthly e-newsletter
• Clinic profile page on NCAFCC website
• Access to Members Only portal on NCAFCC website
• Annual value of service and outcome measures
• Regulatory and compliance assistance
• Grant management support

Funding & In-kind Support

• Access to funding opportunities (including COVID-19 state appropriations)
• Access to In-kind donations

Conferences and Meetings

• Leadership Retreat (In-person retreat has been postponed due to Covid)
• Monthly regional meetings for all clinics
• Annual Membership Meeting
• In-person and webinar education training opportunities

Resources

• Policies and procedures specific to free and charitable clinics
• COVID-19 resources
• Vendor relations
• Public Relations Support