BSR's member companies recognize that responsible business policies and practices are an important commercial imperative and that leadership companies make such behaviors a competitive business advantage. BSR's member companies enjoy access to practical information, research, education and training programs, and technical assistance on all aspects of corporate social responsibility. In addition, BSR creates opportunities for business leaders to collaborate and network with their peers and other innovative managers from every business functional area representing companies of all sizes and sectors. BSR offers ongoing programs and projects in a dozen US cities, and provides valuable products and services outside the United States, both directly and in collaboration with a network of allied organizations around the world. A portion of the member company's dues can be used for such projects.
Additional work is performed for members on a discounted fee basis.
Companies complete a membership application and pay annual dues based on their revenues. Smaller companies that have won recognition for innovative initiatives, such as Bright Horizons, Fel-Pro, Fetzer Vineyards, Patagonia, Tom's of Maine, and Stonyfield Farm Yogurt, account for a significant share of BSR's membership. Twenty percent of BSR's revenues come from member company dues, and the remainder is comprised of voluntary contributions from member corporations, fees for products and services, and grants from corporate and private foundations, as well as support from the US Agency for International Development and the US Environmental Protection Agency. BSR does not take positions on public policy issues, nor does it endorse or oppose specific legislation, referenda or candidates. BSR strives to inform members on a limited number of national public policy issues about which they have expressed a special interest.