Better local government starts with you.
BGR helps the greater New Orleans community understand how local government works and how it could work better.
As a member‑supported organization, BGR relies primarily on memberships to sustain our independence and impact. When you become a member, you help ensure that residents and policymakers alike have a complete view of the choices facing our city.
You can join as a member or make a one‑time contribution below.
Thank you for supporting independent research for better local government.
Joining BGR is easy and secure! Choose an Annual or Monthly membership below, or scroll down to learn more. One‑time donations are also welcome.
The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and your membership contribution is tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
You can learn more about our finances and accountability through our Candid and Charity Navigator profiles, as well as our IRS 990 forms (2024, 2023, 2022).
If you have any questions, please contact Heather Sweeney, Director of Development, at hsweeney@bgr.org or (504) 525-1734.
Membership Benefits
What you receive as a BGR member.
Stay informed
- Digital copies of all BGR reports, emailed to you first
- The Daily Dispatch, BGR’s weekday email highlighting key public policy news
- A monthly member newsletter with updates on BGR’s research and organizational work
Stay connected
- Exclusive invitations to member webinars where BGR staff discuss recent findings
- Priority registration for BGR Breakfast Briefings, social events, and the Annual Luncheon
Help shape the work
- Public recognition of your support on BGR.org
- Opportunity to suggest topics for future research and events
- Opportunity to suggest candidates for BGR’s Board of Directors
Membership Levels
If you’re new to BGR, these options make joining easy and accessible.
- Early Career (Under 30) | $60/year or $5/month
- BGR Supporter Welcome Rate (50% Discount) | $120 or $10/month for the first year
As your support grows, so does your connection to BGR’s leadership and work.
Each level includes the benefits of all previous levels, plus additional opportunities outlined below.
- BGR Supporter | $240+ or $20/month
- Research Corps | $600+ or $50/month
- Policy Enthusiast | $1,200+ or $100/month
- + Invitation to an annual member appreciation breakfast and discussion with BGR’s President
- Municipal Monitor | $2,500+ per year
- + Recognition in BGR member listings, including corporate logo placement
- Editor’s Frontline | $5,000+ per year
- + Virtual “lunch and learn” presentation by BGR staff upon request
- President’s Roundtable | $10,000+ per year
- + Annual one-on-one meeting with BGR’s President
- Sustainers’ Circle | $25,000+ per year
- + Recognition at the Annual Luncheon and one premium table
- BGR Pacesetter | $50,000+ per year
- + On-site BGR presentation to an audience of your choice
Membership Form
If you prefer to mail your annual membership contribution or pledge to BGR, please use our membership form. Click the three dots below the image to download a fillable PDF form that you can save to your computer, and then complete and mail it back to us with your membership check or pledge.
Planned Giving
Looking for other ways to support BGR? If you are planning year-end gifts to reduce your taxes, or a legacy gift for long-term community benefit, please consider The 1932 Club Planned Giving Program. BGR can work with you and your advisers on gifts of cash or stock, charitable distributions, bequests, and other options.
