Membership Terms

GHF Membership Network – Professional Engagement Vertical

Global Health Forum warmly invites your participation in our professional network—a curated community of clinicians, innovators, policymakers, educators, and leaders united in advancing equitable global health through principled education, cross-sector collaboration, and impactful leadership. This Membership Agreement (“Agreement”) defines the terms of your engagement in the GHF Membership Network (Vertical II), fostering clarity, mutual respect, and unwavering alignment with GHF’s mission while preserving the independence of our nonprofit charitable Foundation and selective innovation platforms.

This Agreement is entered into between Global Health Forum Membership Network (the “Membership Network”), an access-based professional community operated independently from the Global Health Forum Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and the undersigned individual or organization (“Member”), effective upon the Membership Network’s acceptance of enrollment.

1. Nature of Membership

Membership constitutes a voluntary, professional affiliation centered on knowledge sharing, leadership growth, and mission-aligned networking. It confers no:

• Ownership, equity, or financial interest in GHF or the Membership Network
• Governance authority or fiduciary status
• Partnership, joint venture, agency, or employment relationship

2. Membership Tier, Term, and Modifications

Member selects a tier upon enrollment, as detailed in current GHF membership materials. The term is one (1) year from the effective date.

Membership does not renew automatically. Prior to expiration, the Membership Network will issue a renewal invitation to the Member’s contact information on file. Lapsed memberships may be reinstated at the Membership Network’s discretion, subject to then-current terms and fees.

The Membership Network may modify benefits, programming, tier structures, or fees for subsequent terms, providing reasonable advance notice via email or the GHF website. Discretionary extensions in the inaugural year do not establish ongoing rights.

3. Fees, Payments, and Tax Considerations

Annual fees are payable upon enrollment and renewal. Fees directly support the Membership Network’s educational, convening, and collaborative initiatives and are generally non-refundable, except as outlined in Membership Network policy.

Under IRS guidelines, membership dues to a 501(c)(3) organization are tax-deductible only to the extent they exceed the fair market value of benefits received (e.g., access to programming, events, content, and networking). As the Membership Network operates independently from the GHF Foundation, membership fees paid hereunder are not charitable contributions and do not qualify for charitable deduction. Members seeking to make tax-deductible contributions should direct such gifts separately to the GHF Foundation. The Membership Network will provide guidance upon request consistent with applicable law.

4. Scope of Access and Benefits

Membership grants access to programming, digital content, events, and opportunities aligned with the selected tier, as described in current GHF materials. These offerings advance GHF’s mission through education, dialogue, and leadership development.

Networking elements—including introductions and roundtables—are incidental, mission-aligned tools for collaboration; the Membership Network does not guarantee specific outcomes, commercial advantages, speaking opportunities, business results, or financial benefits. Access to particular events, individuals, or sessions is not assured.

The Membership Network may cancel, modify, reschedule, or discontinue programming at any time. Programming is provided on an “as-is” basis without warranty of availability or outcomes. The Membership Network will endeavor to provide reasonable notice of material changes to scheduled programming.

5. Separation from Other GHF Verticals

GHF upholds distinct separation across verticals to safeguard nonprofit integrity and mission focus:

• GHF Foundation (Nonprofit Vertical): Dedicated to charitable and educational pursuits under Board oversight. Network membership does not grant governance rights, fiduciary status, charitable recognition, or automatic entry to Foundation activities. Philanthropic donations to the Foundation do not confer Network benefits.
• GHF Ventures (Invitation-Only Vertical): A selective platform for vetted innovation and responsible investment. Entry requires separate invitation and qualification; Network membership provides no access.

Participation in other verticals requires independent enrollment and agreement.

6. No Investment, Securities, or Commercial Activity

The Membership Network is not a broker-dealer, investment adviser, or securities intermediary. Membership does not:

• Offer, solicit, or guarantee securities, investments, deal-flow, or financial opportunities
• Provide investment advice or recommendations
• Confer rights to private rounds, venture activities, or commercial transactions

Discussions related to innovation or ventures within the Network remain educational and networking in nature. Members bear sole responsibility for independent due diligence on any opportunity.

7. Member Representations and Conduct

Member represents that participation will serve lawful, mission-aligned purposes and agrees to:

• Conduct themselves professionally, respectfully, and in good faith
• Comply with applicable laws and Membership Network policies

Prohibited conduct includes harassment, discrimination, misrepresentation of affiliation, unauthorized solicitation, misuse of confidential information, or actions materially detrimental to GHF’s or the Membership Network’s reputation or community. The Membership Network may suspend or terminate membership for violations, with notice where practicable.

8. Confidentiality and Intellectual Property

Member shall not disclose or distribute non-public GHF or Membership Network information (e.g., private attendee lists, closed-door discussions, unpublished materials) without prior written consent.

Member grants the Membership Network a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to reference Member’s name, logo, and affiliation in GHF promotional materials related to membership. Member may opt out of such use by providing written notice to the Membership Network.

9. Limitation of Liability, Indemnification, and Event Participation

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Membership Network disclaims liability for indirect, consequential, incidental, or punitive damages, lost profits, business interruption, or investment losses arising from membership. The Membership Network’s total liability is capped at fees paid by Member in the prior twelve (12) months.

Member agrees to indemnify and hold harmless GHF, the Membership Network, their respective trustees, officers, advisors, and affiliates from claims arising from Member’s breach of this Agreement, misconduct, or unauthorized use of GHF branding.

In-person event participation carries inherent risks, including those related to health and safety. Member assumes responsibility for personal conduct, safety, compliance with venue rules and laws, and any applicable health protocols. Member is encouraged to maintain personal insurance coverage; the Membership Network maintains appropriate event liability insurance but assumes no additional responsibility for Member’s personal property or safety.

10. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, excluding conflict-of-laws principles.

Disputes shall first be addressed through good-faith negotiation or mediation. If unresolved, binding arbitration in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under the American Arbitration Association’s Commercial Arbitration Rules shall apply. Judgment on any award may be entered in a court of competent jurisdiction.

11. Entire Agreement, Amendments, Notices, and Severability

This Agreement represents the complete understanding regarding Network membership and supersedes prior discussions.

The Membership Network may amend this Agreement with notice (via email or website posting); continued participation constitutes acceptance. Notices are effective upon transmission to Member’s contact information on file.

If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall continue in full force and effect.

Membership tiers and benefits: see GHF Membership. Questions: [email protected].