Non-dues Revenue Generation

Non-dues generation is more than just exploring options for additional revenue; it’s about providing an added benefit while providing value to the association’s bottom line. For associations, non-dues revenue generation is a way of life. And because it is an annual objective, it can often be difficult to keep programs innovative and participation high.

There are several approaches your association could take to decide what and when to implement. Market research and development of fund raising strategies can play critical roles when deciding whether to expand services and programs or, even, maintaining them at current levels. Other approaches for non-dues generation might include advertising, added revenue from meetings, a capital campaign, auctions, placement services, mailing list sales, fundraising for specific programs, launching new conferences, trade shows, certification and accreditation programs, publications, and Internet-related programs—there are dozens of concepts and any and all of them can help an association move to the next level. Bostrom finds that the most successful non-dues revenue-generating efforts are based on member/market needs and issues.