1. Tips for Running
a Membership Organization
on a Small Budget

2. 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

3. 6 Tips for Presidents of Associations with Small Budgets
Use financial tools
Be smart with technology spending
Keep your focus
Watch administration costs
Keep fundraising
Use volunteers

4. 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

5. Equipment/Technology
Purchase used or low cost when possible
Can often find good prices on used technology
right after an updated version come out
Search the internet for deals

6. Keep Focus on Your Association’s Mission
Ask “does this support the mission” before
making large investments
Ex: will your target market be attending the
conference you are thinking about sponsoring?

7. 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

8. Make fundraising a constant
Brings in funds/increases
awareness
Have a dedicated fundraising
committee

9. Use volunteers
Avoid hiring staff when possible
Identify members show interest and position
as a growth/resume boosting opportunity

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

11. Presented by
StarChapter
Local Chapter Management Made Easy
Website: starchapter.com
Email: info@starchapter.com