Join a Global Movement — Over a Century in the Making

Founded in Dresden, Germany, in 1908, the International Vegetarian Union (IVU) is the world's oldest organization dedicated to promoting vegetarianism and veganism. For more than 115 years, IVU has served as the global umbrella uniting national and regional societies across every continent, hosting World Vegetarian Congresses, supporting scientific research on plant-based nutrition, and advocating for animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and public health.

Becoming a member of IVU means joining this long and distinguished legacy — and contributing directly to the future of the global plant-based movement. IVU is currently entering a new phase under renewed leadership, actively expanding its international reach, partnerships, and programs. Every membership, at every level, strengthens our capacity to pursue this mission.

Below you will find all available membership categories, designed to welcome individuals, organizations, and businesses that share our values.

Individual Categories

Individual Member — £20 / year

For individuals who wish to formally align themselves with the world's oldest vegetarian and vegan organization. As an Individual Member, you directly support IVU's global advocacy, educational programs, and international events. Your contribution, however modest, helps sustain a legacy built over more than a century and enables us to expand our reach to new regions and audiences.

While IVU is currently under new leadership and actively pursuing institutional funding, Individual Members have historically received discounts on registration fees for IVU events, such as World Vegetarian Congresses and VegFests — a benefit we intend to continue offering whenever possible.

Individual Supporter — £50 / year

For individuals who wish to contribute at a higher level in recognition of IVU's mission and global impact. Individual Supporters enjoy the same recognition and event discount opportunities as Individual Members, with a stronger financial contribution that directly enables new initiatives, publications, and programs.

Click here to apply as an Indivudal >>

Organizational Categories

National NGO Member — £20 / year

Reserved for national non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting vegetarianism, veganism, animal welfare, or related causes. This category is deliberately priced to be accessible, so that IVU may welcome the widest possible range of groups and associations worldwide.

Key benefit: National NGO Members hold voting rights within IVU in accordance with our Bylaws, allowing them to participate directly in the governance and strategic direction of the organization. Additionally, member organizations have traditionally received discounts on IVU events.

Local / Regional NGO Member — Open contribution

For local and regional non-profit organizations that wish to formally affiliate with IVU. This category operates on an open-contribution basis: organizations may contribute any amount they are able to, or join without a financial contribution. Local and Regional NGO Members also hold voting rights under our Bylaws, ensuring that organizations of every size and resource level have a voice within IVU. Event discounts traditionally apply.

Supporter of IVU — £50 / year

For organizations that wish to support IVU's mission at a higher contribution level. Supporters of IVU receive recognition for their commitment and enjoy traditional event discount opportunities. This category does not include voting rights, and is well-suited to organizations whose primary interest is alignment and support rather than governance participation.

Click here to apply as an Organization >>

Business and Corporate Categories

Business Supporter — Open contribution

Designed for companies of any size — from small businesses to large enterprises — that wish to express their support for IVU and the global plant-based movement. Business Supporters contribute any amount they choose and benefit from association with a century-old international non-profit, as well as traditional event discount opportunities during their year of membership.

Corporate Partner — £200 / year

A distinguished category designed for businesses, institutions, and private organizations that wish to formalize a meaningful partnership with IVU.

Corporate Partners receive:

• A personalized Corporate Partner Certificate — a diploma-style PDF featuring the IVU logo, the organization's name, and the digitally signed endorsement of the IVU Chair, suitable for printing, framing, and public display.
• Public recognition through listing on a dedicated page at ivu.org, displaying the organization's name alongside its membership start date — a visible testament to the duration of their commitment.
• Event discount opportunities during the year of membership.

Corporate Partners do not hold voting rights, but their contribution directly sustains IVU's global programs and amplifies the organization's reach.

Click here to apply as a Business >>

Patron — £500, lifetime membership

The highest and most distinguished category of IVU membership. Patrons make a one-time contribution and become lifetime members of the International Vegetarian Union — a permanent and prestigious affiliation.

Patrons receive:

• A personalized Patron Certificate — a diploma-style PDF featuring the IVU logo, the Patron's name, and the digitally signed endorsement of the IVU Chair.
• Permanent public recognition through listing on the official Patrons page at ivu.org, displayed alongside distinguished supporters of the IVU mission across generations. (Patrons who prefer to remain private may request that their name be omitted from public listing.)
• Event discount opportunities whenever applicable.

The Patron category represents the most enduring form of personal or organizational commitment to IVU's mission — a gesture that inscribes your name into the long history of the global plant-based movement.

Click here to apply as a Patron >> 

A Note on IVU's Current Phase

IVU is currently under renewed leadership and is actively working to expand funding, partnerships, and programs. As the organization grows, we intend to enhance and expand the benefits offered to members across all categories. Your membership today not only supports a legacy of more than a century — it also contributes to building the future of a stronger, more influential global movement.

Ready to Join?

Click here to choose your membership category and apply

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