Our Members are the lifeblood of our organization. Since its establishment in 1978, the World Heart Federation has been serving as the principal representative body for the cardiovascular community, representing more than 220 heart foundations, scientific societies and patient organizations in 113 countries.
A rewarding Membership
Sharing knowledge
The latest research, findings and data come from a wide pool of specialists in heart care and policy, but we don’t stop there: WHF communicates first-hand expertise on multi-disciplinary developments in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and related conditions to reach wide audiences.
Influencing change
A trusted ally of international organizations, governments, medical and patient groups, WHF advocates for fair access to heart care, translates science into policy, and raises awareness of heart health. As the only organization representing the CVD community that is in ‘Official Relations’ with the World Health Organization (WHO), our partnership opens access to the developments that impact decisions. WHF also works closely with the with the Noncommunicable Diseases Alliance (NCDA) for improved prevention and control of CVD and NCDs.
Building communities
A united global CVD community amplifies the efforts and achievements of individuals and groups: with WHF, there is always a dialogue, an open door, a resource, an event all helping to break new ground in the fight to save hearts. Our platforms help raises voices from all sectors and stakeholders, especially those of our Members and those they rally and represent. And stronger communities increase impact. We connect and convene many along the healthcare chain: practitioners, patients, policy-makers, care-givers and medicine and device specialists.
World Heart Grants
Every year, our Members are invited to apply to our small grants programme, which exists to support our Members’ efforts to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease in their communities, reduce its burden and impact, and help people live longer, healthier lives.
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Membership categories
Full membership
A Cardiac Society, Heart Foundation, or other organization with significant involvement in cardiovascular health that applies for Membership and meets the eligibility criteria.
Associate membership
An organization working towards cardiovascular health without this objective as its sole aim, and which is neither a Full Member nor an Affiliate Member.
Affiliate Membership
An Affiliate Member means/ designates a national/local patient organization related to cardiovascular disease, with no paid fixed staff.
World Heart Awards
The World Heart Awards are all about celebrating organizations and individuals who have gone above and beyond in their quest to fight cardiovascular disease and promote heart health around the world.
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Our Member Partners
Long-standing Members wishing to work more closely and strategically with the World Heart Federation can apply to become Member Partners.
Member Partners are the vanguard of World Heart Federation’s membership community. Working in partnership with our Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership Team, Member Partners are invited to advocate on behalf of the World Heart Federation at global, regional, and national events.
We offer two levels of Member Partner status: Strategic and Sustaining. All Member Partners receive the same benefits as our Full Members, plus additional exclusive benefits.
Strategic Partners have a permanent seat on the WHF Board, with full voting rights, to provide strategic guidance and shape the future of the organization.
Strategic Partners play a lead role in:
- Strategic projects
- Member state negotiations on behalf of our Members
- Representing the World Heart Federation at UN meetings
- Work in ‘lead countries’
- Special invitations to World Health Assembly and UN meetings, high-level roundtables and summits
Strategic Partners are recognised on World Heart Federation website and materials.
- Special invitations to high-level roundtables and summits
- Sustaining Partners are recognised on World Heart Federation website and materials.
