Associations have an uphill climb when it comes to getting their message out and heard by the audience they wish to reach. With advertising and marketing budgets that are generally a fraction of what is being spent in the for-profit world, organizations need to think...
Many associations can boast a membership excited by the opportunities their organization has to offer. But if membership is stagnant, or dwindling, it’s time for the Executive Director and Governing Boards to take a look at what the organization has to offer its members. In order...
The fourth quarter is upon us, and you may be looking to begin developing your annual report – the (print or digital) document typically provided to your Board and your members each year. Whether you’re new to your association or a long-term employee, it is...
Non profit associations should strive for efficient operations at all times. The smoother all of the administrative processes are, the easier the day to day operations will be. The first step towards utmost efficiency is to move away from paper files and forms (which can...
Cross promotion is an essential aspect of running a trade organization that many associations neglect. But the benefits of forming strong relationships with others in your field are innumerable. Chances are, many of your organization’s members also belong to a similar organization in the field....
Ben Franklin coined the adage “time is money” well before the age of instant global communication—and yet there are few things in the business world more frustrating than wasted time in meetings. Here are some effective strategies for keeping your meetings productive and meaningful. Strong...
The effective management of conflict of interest issues is an essential element of sound risk management practices for both profit-making corporations and non-profit groups. In order to preserve the integrity of an association and its governance, it is wise to avoid financial transactions, business dealings,...
While many board members donate their services to an association, the law does not require it. The Tax Court has stated that, “they are entitled to reasonable compensation for their efforts." As such, compensation for service on an association board is quite common, but not...
We wrap up our four-part series on independent audits for associations with a guide to selecting the best possible person to perform the task. Selecting a qualified auditor is critical so an association can: Enjoy the benefits of an effective audit and Prevent wasting resources on someone...
Our four-part series on associations and the value of independent audits continues here with a nuts and bolts approach to setting up an independent audit. The final post will offer guidelines for hiring the right auditor for your association. How to Set Up an Audit Committee...