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How to Form a New Club

A Step-by-Step Guide for CFRW Region Directors –

Read through this guide (or download it below), then download the CFRW New Club Kit (also available below) to Get Started

1️⃣ Recruit Founding Members & Lay the Right Foundation

  • Identify and recruit at least 10 registered Republican women who are committed to forming a local club.

  • These women will become the charter (founding) members.

  • Make sure they understand they are forming a club that will be affiliated with both CFRW and NFRW.

  • Help them identify who will serve in leadership roles once the club is chartered.

  • Help them select a club name that they will submit for approval to the CFRW Executive Committee.

2️⃣ Inform CFRW Executive Committee

  • As soon as you hear of a club wanting to form, let the CFRW President and Executive Committee know so they are aware.

  • CFRW Executive Committee will need to approve the name of the club before the final application approval.

  • CFRW provides oversight, guidance, and final state-level approval before the application is forwarded to NFRW.

  • As Region Director, you serve as the liaison and mentor during this process.

3️⃣ Determine the Type of Club

There are two options:

  • Traditional (in-person) Club

  • Virtual Club (meets primarily online)

Both follow the same chartering process and must meet all CFRW and NFRW requirements.

4️⃣ Draft Club Bylaws

Bylaws are required and must:

  • Follow the official NFRW Club Bylaws Template

  • Be consistent with both CFRW Bylaws and NFRW Bylaws

  • Not conflict with either organization

Encourage organizers to use the official template to prevent delays in approval.

5️⃣ Hold the Organizational Meeting

At this first official meeting, the group should:

  • ✔️ Present the approved club name

    • Must include the word “Republican”

    • May not use the word “Federation” (but “Federated” is permitted)

  • ✔️ Set annual dues

    • Must cover club operations plus CFRW and NFRW dues

  • ✔️ Elect initial officers (according to bylaws)

  • ✔️ Pass a motion authorizing:

    • Application for a federal EIN

    • Opening of a club bank account

  • ✔️ Record detailed minutes documenting all motions and elections

6️⃣ Apply for an EIN

7️⃣ Open a Club Bank Account

The bank will typically require:

  • Copy of EIN confirmation

  • Adopted club bylaws

  • Minutes from the organizational meeting showing authorization

8️⃣ Prepare the Charter Application Packet

Submit the complete packet to CFRW for review and approval. The packet must include:

  • Official NFRW Charter Application

  • Letter of Intent to Form a New Club

  • Officer roster

  • Adopted bylaws

  • Membership roster (minimum 10 members)

  • Payment for:

    • CFRW dues per member

    • NFRW national dues ($20 per member)

    • $15 NFRW service fee

CFRW reviews and approves the application before forwarding it to NFRW.

9️⃣ Final Approval & Charter Issuance

  • Once CFRW approves the application, it is forwarded to NFRW.

  • NFRW issues:

    • Official club charter

    • Assigned club number

At that point, the club becomes an official member of the Federation!  Congratulations!

Download the PDF Guide
Download the CFRW New Club Kit to Get Started