I have received a number of questions from people in rescue who are interested in joining NAPRP, but because of the economy or other financial issues, just can't afford the membership fee right now. I totally understand this situation. I know how it is to be worried about paying the vets and keeping the critters in food. Been there; done that.
That's why when we set up the organization, we decided to offer scholarships. As you may or may not know, in addition to regular memberships for rescues and humane organizations, we also offer Vendor memberships. These are targeted toward businesses that offer pet-related products that folks in rescue might need (pet food, beds, cages, leashes, toys, and so forth).
The way the scholarships work is that for every Vendor membership we receive, we can offer one scholarship. So if you are a small rescue that is worrying about the membership fee, talk to the pet-related vendors you work with that support your organization. Tell them about NAPRP and the Vendor membership-scholarship connection! Just be sure they put your name in the referral box when they join, so you get the scholarship. We already have a waiting list of folks who want scholarships, and as we start talking to more vendors ourselves, these folks will be "in line" to get a membership too.
Another way small rescues can "pay their way" is using our Refer 3, Get Yours Free! program. In this case, talk to your friends who have larger (or better funded) organizations and tell them about NAPRP. When they join, have them put YOUR NAME in the referral box. If you bring in three referrals, your Individual Membership fee is waived for the year.