Currently, there are three levels at which to engage with BFI.org. Website visitors can opt to:
- Browse the rich Buckminster Fuller and Design Science related content on the site and review program activities.
- Register as a 'user' to the site and take advantage of 'user-only' tools (described below).
- Support the network as a user and take advantage of 'supporter-only' tools on the site (described below).
Register with BFI.org as a User
As a registered user you will be able to contribute to the development of BFI.org and:
- Post new content to the Community Section
- Initiate and participate in discussion forums
- Comment upon content throughout the site
- Post a question to BFI's online resident "expert"
Support BFI as a Registered User
By supporting BFI, you are joining a global network of leading thinkers and designers who are demonstrating whole system solutions to complex problems. Individuals in the network play a critical role in the fulfilling BFI's mission through their volunteerism, expert advice, participation in programs, and financial support. We invite you to consider making a donation to support the Institute today!
What are the benefits of supporting BFI?
- You have the opportunity to experience a deeper level of engagement with our website, BFI.org, and
- Create a 'user profile' of your background and/or interests.
- Be listed in and able to search the BFI Network Directory, an annual publication of BFI's supporters.
- Utilize the "Groups" tool to hold meetings with other network supporters and discuss topics of your own choosing (coming soon!).
- Receive invitations to join groups created by BFI on specific projects or topics.
- You will receive our print publication, TRIMTAB and our monthly electronic news bulletin, Design Science News.
- You are extended discounts on the price of our educational seminars, events and items in our on-line store.
- You are included in special invitations to join BFI at in-person networking events.
- You are connected to an international network of people who worked with Fuller, have been inspired by his vision, and/or who are committed to doing their part to design a world that works for all.
- You have the knowledge that your support — no matter the size — helps further our commitment to extend Fuller's legacy to a new generation. Your support is applied directly to the design and implementation of an increasing number of programs and activities conducted on behalf of our constituencies.
We invite you to support BFI at or above the $100 Associate Level. At the Associate Level, your contribution equals the real cost of managing and maintaining your network connection. As a special incentive for making a contribution of this size, we are offering a print version of the BFI Network Directory, to accompany your online access via BFI.org. This annual publication will be an indispensable tool for discovering old and new colleagues alike, and for connecting with them online, by phone, or regular mail.
All of our supporters will have the opportunity to search the directory in a password protected section of our website. The print version of the Directory will be available to our Basic Level supporters for purchase.
If you are supporting BFI for the first time, or would like to renew and increase your support, we will send you as a thank-you gift, one of the following premiums.
 | Basic Level $50 - $99 Discounted membership level for students, seniors, and those on a fixed income. Receive all of the benefits of Associate Membership. 100% of your donation is tax-deductible. |
 | Associate Level $100 - $249 Design Science News, BFI's monthly email newsletter, invitations to events, discounts on programs. 100% of your donation is tax-deductible. |
 | Supporter Level $250 - $499 Associate Level package (above) plus set of eight beautiful and distinct Limited Edition Postcards featuring various photographs, drawings, and models of Fuller's produced for the Whitney Museum's exhibit Buckminster Fuller Starting with the Universe. All but $10 of your donation is tax-deductible. |
 | Patron Level $500 - $999 Associate Level package (above) and a new edition of the Raleigh Dymaxion Map (available in spring 2009), the original rendition envisioned by Fuller in 1954 in his office in Raleigh, North Carolina. All but $20 of your donation is tax-deductible. |
 | Benefactor Level $1000+ Associate Level package (above) plus The Compendium, a collection of originals, reprints, and copies from 34 publications representing more than 40 years of discourse by and about Fuller. All but $175 of your donation is tax-deductible. |
Sustaining Level
Monthly automatic donations to BFI. Premium based on level of support and awarded when payment is received in full.
Our Privacy Policy
Your name and email address is only used for purposes of site registration identification and is never shared with anyone.
