A: Sustaining memberships offer a way for those who derive value from the content of a web site to voluntarily assist in the upkeep of the site. And they help generate sustaining revenue without having to resort to fees, subscriptions or other off-putting methods.

A: Anyone--an individual, a group of friends, a small ensemble, a large choir, even a company--can be a VAN Sustaining Member. Send a note to our membership coordinator when you make your payment to tell us the name under which you'd like the sustaining membership listed, if it's different than that of the individual making the payment.

A: Your status as a sustaining member will be acknowledged for the current season.

A: Site development, site maintenance and staff time are the principal costs. Currently, our principal web guy's time has gone uncompensated (in the monetary sense), and that worries his wife and his in-laws.

A: Think of the time you've saved finding vocal ensemble concerts on the VAN Concert Calendar. Or how easy it's been to find a group to sing with using the VAN Choir Directory and Choir Auditions page. Perhaps you've made a connection through the Info Exchange. Or found great stuff on the web using the Links Collection. Sustaining membership returns a portion of the value you derive to those who create that value.

A: Your marketing budget goes farther when you take advantage of VAN's services.A free ad on the Choir Auditions page draws more qualified singers than those expensive ads in the newspaper--and it can be updated throughout the year. Listings in the VAN Concert Calendar help groups connect with more of their target audience. The Info Exchange comes in handy when there's a special need to fill. Sustaining membership returns a portion of the value your group derives to those who create that value.

A: You get the thanks of Vocal Area Network and the vocal ensemble community for supporting this resource. And your name is listed (if that's OK with you) on the VAN Sustaining Membership page.

A: Your group gets the thanks of Vocal Area Network and the vocal ensemble community for supporting this resource. And your group's name is listed (if that's OK with you) on the VAN Sustaining Membership page. If your group's sustaining membership amount is at least $250 (Silver Sustaining Member), your group's listings in the Choir Directory, Links Collection and Choir Auditions page will indicate the sustaining membership status. If your group's sustaining membership amount is at least $500 (Gold Sustaining Member), your group's listings in the Concert Calendar will indicate the sustaining membership status (in addition to the indicators provided to Silver Sustaining Members).

A: If you use PayPal, send an e-mail requesting anonymity to the membership coordinator after you make your payment. If you're paying by check, include a note indicating your desire for anonymity with your check. Your name will not appear on the VAN Sustaining Members list.

A: No, it's not. Vocal Area Network is not a charity as defined under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue code. We hope, though, that you'll have other motivations besides tax savings when you consider becoming a sustaining member.

A: The most important thing you can do is help spread the word. Tell people you sing with about VAN and the services we provide. Ask your group to mention Vocal Area Network in its programs. Download, print and distribute the VAN flyer (to be found on the VAN home page).

A: If you're not already a PayPal user, you'll be offered the opportunity to set up a PayPal account. It's easy, fast and secure. Once you set up your account, you'll be able to send money to VAN (or anyone else with an e-mail address) from your checking account or from a credit card.