ASI Releases 2018 Membership and Fundraising Benchmark Survey Results

24 May 2018 5:25 PM | Deleted user

Melbourne, VIC (May 24, 2018) — Advanced Solutions International (ASI), a leading global provider of software and services for associations and not-for-profits and the company behind the iMIS 20 Engagement Management System (EMS)™, released its fourth annual Global Benchmark Reports on Membership Performance and Fundraising Performance today.  Conducted in the latter part of 2017, the two reports explore the foremost challenges, goals and opportunities not-for-profits are currently facing to both attract new members/donors and to maintain their existing bases.  A total of 620 executives across the United States, Canada, Asia-Pacific and Europe/Middle East/India/Africa (EMEIA) participated in the survey — a 10% increase over 2017.

The surveys consisted of 23 questions spanning five primary interest areas:  demographics, performance, technology, website/mobile, and goals.  ASI distributed the questionnaires via email to senior-level executives at organisations of all sizes and sectors around the world. 

The fourth annual survey reports uncover the latest trends in operational performance, new member/donor acquisition strategies, engagement plans and measurement, technology investments, website updates, and overall operational performance improvement. 

Membership Performance

The 4th annual report shares findings on how membership organisations are attracting new members, keeping them engaged, and ensuring retention rates. It includes new questions on recurring memberships, data protection and PCI compliance as well as covering staff efficiency, revenue growth, and continuous performance improvement. For the first time, survey respondents reported they were most concerned about increasing member engagement.  Other findings include:

  •         70% reported overall retention rates of more than 75% — up from 65% in 2017
  •         52% reported at least 50% of all renewals and new member joins were processed online
  •         Confidence in future growth/sustainability is down from 2017
  •         60% believe their organisations are PCI compliant

Fundraising Performance
The 2018 report shares insights from hundreds of fundraising executives on the most effective marketing strategies they use to attract new donors and keep them coming back. The report includes new questions on recurring donations/regular giving, and data protection and PCI compliance and also addresses donor levels, goals and challenges, and continuous performance improvement.  This year, “increasing donor acquisition” moved to the top of the list of priorities. Additional findings include:

  •         50% reported an increase in overall engagement — up from 46% in 2017
  •         Just 49% saw increases — down from 54% in 2017
  •         68% report their organisations are PCI compliant
  •         Confidence in future growth/sustainability dipped from 2017 rates

About ASI

Advanced Solutions International (ASI) is a leading global provider of software and services to associations and not-for-profits. Founded in 1991, ASI focuses on helping clients increase operational and financial performance through the use of best practices, proven solutions, and ongoing client advisement. ASI is the provider of iMIS, a complete association and not-for-profit management software system that is cloud-based, mobile-ready, and PCI-validated. It includes options for membership, fundraising, events, product sales, certification, marketing, website management, and more.  Learn more at www.advsol.com.

Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connections: AuSAE and Tourism New Zealand Business Events Renew Partnership

Association professionals across Australia and New Zealand have even more reason to explore trans-Tasman opportunities. AuSAE is proud to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events, celebrating 11 years of collaboration.

For over a decade, this partnership has strengthened connections between the two countries, helping associations expand networks, share knowledge, and deliver world-class events.

Toni Brearley, CAE, Chief Executive Officer at AuSAE, said:

“Our partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events has opened doors for association leaders to plan unforgettable events and connect with peers across the Tasman. Together, we’ve created opportunities, shared knowledge, and elevated the experiences of our members and their delegates. This partnership reinforces our commitment to fostering strong trans-Tasman collaborations, helping associations innovate, grow, and deliver outstanding value to their members.”

Helen Bambry, Business Events Manager at Tourism New Zealand, added:

“Partnering with AuSAE means we can directly support association professionals in bringing their next international business event to New Zealand – offering assistance, funding, and support to ensure exceptional experiences for both organisers and delegates.”

Watch the Tourism New Zealand Business Events video

What this partnership means for you

For Australian associations:

  • Receive expert guidance and support to bring conferences or member events to New Zealand.
  • Access funding assistance through Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
  • Expand your network and build partnerships with New Zealand peers and industry leaders.
  • Deliver international experiences for members and delegates just across the Tasman.

For New Zealand associations:

  • Strengthen professional connections with Australian association leaders through AuSAE’s network.
  • Share expertise and collaborate on professional development, governance, and member engagement initiatives, and more.
  • Gain visibility within the broader association community in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Access opportunities to host international association events and delegates in New Zealand, boosting local engagement and knowledge exchange.

About AuSAE:

The home for association professionals, the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the leading - and only not-for-profit, member-based - organisation supporting association professionals in Australia and New Zealand. For 70 years, AuSAE has been a trusted partner for those working in associations, providing professional development, support, and networking to help association leaders achieve organisational goals, advance their careers, and strengthen the wider sector.

About Tourism New Zealand Business Events:

Tourism New Zealand Business Events provides expert guidance, funding, and support to attract conferences, incentives and corporate events to New Zealand.

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For more information about AuSAE, please contact Toni Brearley, CAE:
Toni Brearley, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, AuSAE

E: toni@ausae.org.au
T: + 61 458 000 155

To apply for funding and support to host a conference in New Zealand contact Helen Bambry:
Helen Bambry
Business Events Manager, Tourism New Zealand

E: Helen.Bambry@tnz.govt.nz
T: +61 415 933 325


The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

Email: info@ausae.org.au
Phone: 1300 764 576 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955 (outside Australia)
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia

                    
        


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