Membership

When Congress passed legislation in December 2014 to establish a congressional commission to study the feasibility of and recommend a site for the National Women’s History Museum, there was a catch. The commission and museum would both need to be financed with private money. No Washington, D.C, 
museum had ever been asked to underwrite its own congressional commission...

Ever since it was launched from the temple-like headquarters of the National Geographic Society in Washington in 1888, National Geographic magazine has illuminated the world’s hidden places and revealed its natural wonders. On Wednesday, the iconic ­yellow-bordered magazine, beset by financial issues, entered its own uncharted territory. In an effort to stave off further decline,…

An Army veteran said the USO's use of the Purple Heart image in its fundraising campaign creates a misleading impression about the award given to service members wounded in combat. The USO's fundraising materials sent in April included personalized return address labels featuring an image of the Purple Heart next to the veteran's name and…

Facing the challenges of increasing and maintaining membership base year after year can be difficult. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Frederick, Md., touts sweepstakes as an invaluable tool for membership enrollment and engagement. Key to success is selecting a special prize, as well as the structure of the promotion. With more than 1.5 million entries generated last year, AOPA should know...

The Boy Scouts of America announced Monday that it's lifting the ban on gay adults as Scout leaders. "On Monday July 27 the national executive board ratified a resolution removing the national restriction on openly gay leaders and employees," Boy Scouts of America president Robert Gates said in a video statement on Monday. The move…

In last week’s blog, I discussed the characteristics of movements. One person, a “lone nut,” typically initiates movements. It is the subsequent followers, who are embraced as equals, who really lend power to the movement. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was a movement the likes of which are rarely seen. I had the opportunity to hear about this from the inside over dinner last week with Lance Slaughter, chief chapter relations and development officer of the ALS Association...

A big part of life—as we know from our profession—is continually giving and continually learning. Continue to associate with great folks and be part of a cause larger than yourself. Don't make leading or giving a "season of life." Make it a lifelong habit and commitment.

At the inaugural NonProfit PRO Leadership Conference May 5 in Washington, D.C., Paul Bellantone, president and CEO of Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), will tackle How to Handle a Complex Nonprofit Business Environment.

Do I really think we need to make a choice between members and donors? Nope. We just need to manage both of the programs better and make sure they are treated in a holistic and integrated manner.

"I already paid my dues. Why am I being asked for a donation?" For membership organizations, this can be a feared response from members. However, a well-crafted case for support and creative approaches to fundraising can help change your membership’s culture into one of philanthropy.