What is InfraGard?
InfraGard is a collaborative effort between the FBI and local communities. InfraGard is an association of government and business leaders that meet regularly and freely share their ideas and expertise to better protect America’s infrastructures.

How many InfraGard Chapters are there?
There are 86 chapters

How many InfraGard members are there?
There are over 23,000 members as of February 2008.

How many people are in each Chapter?
It depends on the chapter.  Membership ranges anywhere from 50 to 700 people.

Where can I find a list of the Chapters?
Go to www.infragardmembers.org for a list of the 86 Chapters and contact information for the local chapter Presidents and FBI Coordinators.
 
Do the Chapters each have their own websites?
Some Chapters have their own websites.  Links to them are provided in the chapter list on www.infragardmembers.org.
 
Does each state have one Chapter?
No.  It depends on several factors including the geographic location of people who want to participate and the variety of industries in the state. For example, Florida has six chapters while Alaska has only one.

Who can join InfraGard?
The FBI establishes the criteria for membership. In general, any US citizen who is committed to the protection of our nation’s critical infrastructure may join.

Who are the current members of InfraGard?
The current membership is primarily made up of the business leaders from industries that represent critical infrastructures (transportation, energy, water, etc.) and government agencies.

How do you become a member?
Go to www.infragardmembers.org (INMA website) and click "Join InfraGard" to access the application.  Fill out the application and select the Chapter with which you want to be affiliated.  Mail it to the FBI Coordinator (an FBI agent) whose address is listed at the end of the application.  The Coordinator's address is generated by the chapter you chose.

Is there a background check?
No.  But the FBI agent will do a records check.

Do you need a security clearance to join InfraGard?
No.  You will not be exposed to classified materials as an InfraGard member.

How much does it cost to join InfraGard?
It costs nothing to become an InfraGard member.  Some IMAs/chapters, however, may choose to assess a local fee that goes toward conducting meetings, paying for speakers, etc.  For example, the Los Angeles IMA charges an annual fee of $50.
 
How are local Chapter activities funded?
Some funds come from the FBI through the local FBI Coordinator.  Other funds come from grants or sponsorships to the IMA. Most funds are represented by “in kind” contributions of volunteer time or services (meeting space, speaking, etc.).

Are foreign citizens allowed to become InfraGard members?
No, but the IMA (the private sector side of the local chapter) may choose to allow foreign nationals to be a "foreign affiliate" or "guest" of the IMA. 

What are the benefits of InfraGard membership in general?
Members benefit by meeting and interacting with people from industries outside of their own as well as with government representatives (FBI, DHS, state Homeland Security, etc.).  In addition, you have access to the FBI's InfraGard secure network.

What happens at InfraGard Chapter meetings?
Chapters generally host a guest speaker who presents on topics that are of interest to the Chapter members. These topics include, for example, pandemic outbreaks, cyber vulnerabilities, and continuity planning. Additionally, time is allowed for the members to interact with each other for informal discussions.

How many people attend the meetings?
Meeting attendance depends on the chapter, the topic, etc.  Generally, about 25% to 50% of the total local membership attends any one given meeting.  In addition, FBI agents and local FBI management may attend these meetings as well as the local DHS Protective Security Advisor (PSA) and other state and local government representatives.
 
Do you have to be an InfraGard member to attend an InfraGard meeting?
No. In general, InfraGard meetings are open. Some chapters, however, may opt to have members-only meetings.

How often do local chapters meet?
Some chapters meet quarterly, some meet bi-monthly, some meet monthly. It depends on the activity level of the particular chapter.

When do they meet?
The chapters may meet during the day (morning, lunch or afternoon meeting), all day, or in the evening.  Some chapters may vary their meeting times in order to accommodate more members' or speakers’ schedules.

Is there a fee to attend the meetings?
It depends on the chapter and the event.  Chapters may charge a nominal fee to cover lunch costs, speaker’s fees, etc.  However, most speakers are volunteers and if there is lunch it may be covered by a sponsor so the event is free.

How are the local chapters structured?
It varies but usually a Board of Directors and Officers are elected by the members annually.  The IMAs each have their own Bylaws but are required to abide by some basic rules set forth by the National Bylaws. Although it is a national organization, the strength of the program is in the activities of the local chapters across the country.