In our industry, referral fees from product vendors are common practice - vendors offer incentives for promoting their products to customers and communities.
Initially, IRD accepted these fees, but it never aligned with our values. While stopping them entirely felt more authentic, it complicated vendor partnerships.
Our solution: redirect these fees to causes we support.
IRD only accepts referral fees from vendors for public System Admin Insights Product Deep Dive events - free sessions where members learn directly from subject matter experts.
🚫 No referral fees for consulting client recommendations 🚫 No referral fees for individual SAI community member recommendations
Starting in 2025, IRD will donate referral fees (minus administrative expenses) equally among:
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🗽 Good Shepherd Services: Providing youth development, family support, and educational programs in New York City.
🌿 Human Kindness Foundation: Empowering incarcerated individuals through spiritual education and contemplative practices.
🌍 The Brotherhood Sister Sol: Supporting Black and Latinx youth through mentorship, education, and leadership development.
🌈 The Trevor Project: Providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth under 25.
🔬 The Breast Cancer Research Foundation: Funding groundbreaking research to end breast cancer and improve outcomes for those affected.
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This approach enables IRD and SAI to maintain vendor partnerships while channeling funds toward meaningful impact. Here's to redefining industry practices with integrity, creativity, and purpose. 🌟