Revenue Generating Ideas

Association execs regularly review their revenue and project their future revenue opportunities. Most often, they are searching for new and different revenue streams to offset plans for doing more and doing what they do better. Recently, we worked with some clients to identify existing revenue sources. We thought it would be useful to collect all we knew into one list. This could spark some ideas in your association when thinking about revenue.

Revenue Generating Strategic Considerations:

• Unique value proposition of associations – commitment, content, and community
• Opportunities to repurpose existing content for new markets
• Opportunities to market expertise to possible “customers” not just “members”
• Opportunities to provide certificate programs or certification for a growing number of second and third career professionals
• Opportunities for long-term partnerships with vendors rather than one-off sponsorships
• Career assistance for new professionals that cannot find jobs
• Encourage “Baby boomer give backs”
• Increased use of technology for ease of purchasing and giving
• There are opportunities globally, but focus and strategy are important to success
• Consider global market as “customers” rather than “members”

Most Common Association Revenue Sources

1. Membership dues
2. Trade shows
3. Sponsorships
4. Education – face-to-face and web-based
5. Certification
6. Certificate programs
7. Career services – resume assistance, job listings, resume placement
8. Affinity programs – credit cards, rental cars, office supplies, equipment, etc.
9. Insurance programs
10. Retirement funds
11. Advertising
12. Publication sales
13. Donor contributions
14. Mailing list rental
15. Directory/Buyers Guide
16. Group marketing/purchasing activities
17. Standard setting documents
18. Licensing/permitting
19. Accreditation/program assessments
20. Industry research data
21. Gains on assets

Less Common Association Revenue Sources

1. Financing/loans
2. Individual donations
3. Public events and trade shows
4. Sales of public brochures and information
5. Grants
6. Mobile Apps
7. Retirement fund
8. Legal and management consulting
9. Registry of professionals
10. Merchandize sales
11. Real estate/rent
12. Health insurance rebate
13. TV contracts
14. “Big data” crunching
15. Joint advertising
16. Endowments
17. Speakers bureaus
18. Databases

Did we miss anything?

(Sources:  ASAE and Tecker International Clients)