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The pro-housing movement is growing, and Up for Growth is scaling to meet the urgency and size of the housing shortage. As part of that growth, we are evolving our membership model so that membership is based on shared commitment and participation, not an annual payment. This change helps us bring more aligned organizations into the coalition and better coordinate collective action. Financial support remains essential to sustain the research, convenings, and coalition capacity that make this work possible, but funding and membership will now be intentionally distinct.

The Value of Membership at Up for Growth

Up for Growth is a coalition dedicated to advancing effective federal housing policy. Membership means participating in a national effort to ensure that the urgency of the housing shortage is reflected in decisions on Capitol Hill. For organizations continuing their involvement or joining for the first time, membership reflects a commitment to engage in collective advocacy that strengthens pro-housing outcomes.

“The housing shortage demands coordinated action at the federal level. By bringing aligned organizations together, we can ensure policy decisions reflect both the urgency of the problem and the realities on the ground,” says Mike Kingsella, CEO of Up for Growth.

Through shared advocacy, local experience and on-the-ground perspectives are elevated into the federal policy conversation, and the coalition turns shared commitment into meaningful policy momentum.

What Is Not Changing

Our mission, research rigor, and policy priorities remain the same. Existing agreements and contracts remain in place as written.

FAQ

What is changing?
We are moving to a membership model that is not contingent on an annual payment. Membership will be based on shared commitment and participation in the coalition.

Why are you making this change now?
The housing shortage is too big for a small coalition. The pro-housing movement is expanding, and we are scaling to match the urgency and the opportunity – bringing in more aligned organizations and making participation easier and more meaningful. 

Does this mean membership is free?
Membership is no longer pay-to-join. Some organizations will still choose to provide financial support, and that support remains critical to sustaining the work. 

If membership is not paid, why would we contribute financially?
Contributions fund the research, convenings, and coalition capacity that make the coalition effective – especially the data-driven work and coordination that help convert momentum into policy outcomes. 

Are you shifting away from member support toward philanthropy?
We are encouraging more philanthropic funding overall, while continuing to rely on contributions from partners whose interests are directly aligned with our mission and work. The core point is that membership and funding are now intentionally distinct.

What happens to our existing contract or commitment?
Existing agreements remain in place as written. This is a membership model update, not a change to current commitments. 

Will we still be recognized as a supporter if we fund the work?
Yes. We will continue to steward and recognize organizations that support the work financially. We will share any updated recognition language as we roll out the model.

What do you need from us right now?
For this first communication, awareness and alignment. We will send a follow-up soon to current members with a simple way to confirm how your organization plans to engage this year. 

How will participation work under the new model?
We will provide tailored engagement options that fit different organizational roles, capacities, and legal considerations. Organizations will be able to choose what is feasible and aligned with their practices. 

Does our level of engagement affect what you will ask us to fund?
No. Engagement is about fit and capacity; funding is a separate conversation.

Are you changing your mission or policy priorities?
No. Our mission, research rigor, and policy focus remain the same. This change is about scaling the coalition and clarifying how membership and funding work. 

Who should we contact with questions?
Contact Sara Gibson, Coalitions Manager, at sgibson@upforgrowth.org, or schedule time here.