What’s the benefit? Not all membership perks are exclusive to just members, as the children of Affiliated Workers Association (AWA) members can tell you. The group, which provides benefits and resources to small-business owners, entrepreneurs, independent contractors, and self-employed workers, recently awarded $2,500 scholarships to two members’ children to support their continued education. Consideration for the scholarships, which were open to AWA members between the ages of 18 and 28 and dependents ages 16 to 28, was  based on academic performance and teacher recommendations.

Why it works for members: Receiving benefits for belonging to an organization is one thing, but perks that can help out  family members? That has appeal that nearly speaks for itself. “The AWA strives to invest in the future of its members and families,” Neil Peterson, president of the AWA Board of Directors, said in a statement. “There is no better way to support our members and their dependents than to help them pursue their college educations.”

Other perks: Along similar lines, AWA provides healthcare programs and insurance policies for members and their families. It has also partnered with Liberty Mutual to help members save on auto and home insurance.

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