Tips for Runninga Membership Organization

on a Small Budget

Your Organization’s Finances

Board members of small associations become leaders due to a knowledge of their industry, not financial skills

Members with little/no financial experience become Treasurers due to necessity

Not having firm grip on finances makes it hard to make good decisions for association

6 Tips for Presidents of Associations with Small BudgetsUse financial tools

Be smart with technology spending

Keep your focus

Watch administration costs

Keep fundraising

Use volunteers

Financial Tools

•Option 1:Develop in-house financial tools. Use software you already own, such as Excel or Access

•Option 2: Purchase off-the-shelf financial software

Equipment/Technology

Purchase used or low cost when possibleCan often find good prices on used technology

right after an updated version come outSearch the internet for deals

Keep Focus on Your Association’s MissionAsk “does this support the mission” before

making large investmentsEx: will your target market be attending the

conference you are thinking about sponsoring?

Avoid Unnecessary Administration Costs

Use email and electronic newsletters rather than mail

Consider purchasing membership management software, which will consolidate many administrative tools into one

Make fundraising a constant

Brings in funds/increases awareness

Have a dedicated fundraising committee

Use volunteers

Avoid hiring staff when possibleIdentify members show interest and position

as a growth/resume boosting opportunity

Inspiration for Budgeting

“Don't tell me what you value, show me your budget, and I'll tell you what you value." Joe Biden

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