MEMBERSHIP
Member Benefits
Midwest Free Community Papers (MFCP) is dedicated to helping publishing businesses succeed through ongoing support and knowledge by offering members the following:
Increased Profits
Let's be honest, we're in business for a reason and that reason is to turn a profit. Membership in MFCP helps you build on what you're doing right, identify what you may be doing wrong and grow your profits!
Free Readership Audit
Member publications that support our classified and display ad networks qualify for a readership audit administered by CVC, the industry's premier source of audit, circulation and readership data.
Shared Knowledge
Whether in a classroom setting at a conference or via a Zoom call each month, we take learning and growing seriously! Members tell us over and over that the fresh ideas they garner via networking more than pay for their membership.
Industry Advancement
Free community papers have an important story to tell—and MFCP is making sure it's being told. We believe the industry is stronger when we all work together, and that is what we do at a state, regional and national level.
Ad Award Competition
Each year we host our ad awards competition. Publishers throughout the Midwest submit their best work from the prior year. Divided into two divisions, graphic design and editorial, the contest has more than 60 classes to enter.
Fun!
At MFCP we work hard—and we play hard! It's an important part of who we are and why we're so valuable to our members. We'd love to have you network with us!
Become a Member Today!
Membership in MFCP is open to publishers who are actively engaged in the business of publishing free distribution papers that are published free at least 12 times per year.
Content needs to consist of no more than 75% of one topic or category of interest.
Content needs to consist of no more than 75% of one topic or category of interest.
Membership Requirements
- Membership Application
- MDN Participation Agreement
- MCN and 2 x 2 Network Participation Agreement
- Code of Ethics
- Two (2) recent copies of the publication applying for membership
- A check for membership dues
Annual Membership Dues
Membership dues are payable annually on July 1.
- Weekly Publisher Publishing MCN & 2x2 Ads - $275
- Weekly Publisher Publishing MCN or 2x2 Ads - $375
- Bi-weekly or Monthly Publisher Publishing MCN & 2x2 Ads - $375
- Bi-weekly or Monthly Publisher Publishing MCN or 2x2 Ads - $425
- Any Frequency not running any ads - $525
In the event of an ownership change, the new owners must file a new application, accompanied by yearly dues, and be approved by the Board of Directors.
Publishers who own more than one (1) paper may pay yearly dues for each publication, which will entitle the publisher to one (1) vote for each membership held at General Meetings.
Each publisher must submit to the MFCP Office a statement of copies published, rates, and territory regularly covered by the publication, including any seasonal increases annually. All members are also required to send a copy of each issue to the MFCP office by mail; however, if the publication is available online, notifying the office of the web address and how to access the publication electronically will suffice.
Publishers who own more than one (1) paper may pay yearly dues for each publication, which will entitle the publisher to one (1) vote for each membership held at General Meetings.
Each publisher must submit to the MFCP Office a statement of copies published, rates, and territory regularly covered by the publication, including any seasonal increases annually. All members are also required to send a copy of each issue to the MFCP office by mail; however, if the publication is available online, notifying the office of the web address and how to access the publication electronically will suffice.
Associate Membership
Associate memberships are available at several levels and include additional benefits and acknowledgement opportunities throughout the year.
ASSOCIATE
$200 Annual
- Membership Directory Listing
- Conference Attendance with a Table
- 1/8 Page Ad in Monthly MFCP Newsletter
- MFCP Website Listing
- Small, Rotating Ad with Link on MFCP Website
BRONZE
$300 Annual
- Membership Directory Listing
- 1/8 Page Ad in Membership Directory
- Conference Attendance with a Table
- 1/4 Page Ad in Monthly MFCP Newsletter
- MFCP Website Listing
- Large, Rotating Ad with Link on MFCP Website
- Two Minute Intro Speech at Each Conference
SILVER
$500 Annual
- Membership Directory Listing
- 1/4 Page Ad in Membership Directory
- Conference Attendance with a Table
- 1/2 Page Ad in Monthly MFCP Newsletter
- MFCP Website Upgraded Listing
- Large, Rotating Ad with Link on MFCP Website
- Half Rotating Skyscraper Ad with Link on MFCP Website
- Two Minute Intro Speech at Each Conference
- Sponsorship of Cocktail Party
- Sponsorship of Ad Awards
GOLD
$1,000 Annual
- Membership Directory Listing
- Full Page Ad in Membership Directory
- Conference Attendance with a Table
- Full Page Ad in Monthly MFCP Newsletter
- MFCP Website Upgraded Listing
- Large, Rotating Ad with Link on MFCP Website
- Skyscraper Ad with Link on MFCP Website
- Video or Webinar Rotating Ad on MFCP Website
- Ad at Bottom of Email Blasts
- Two Minute Intro Speech at Each Conference
- Sponsorship of Cocktail Party
- Sponsorship of Ad Awards
Membership and Associate Member Dues Rates Effective July 1, 2024– June 30, 2025.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
- Page One Printers
- Saturation Mailers Coalition