Association heads gloomy about revenue

June 16, 2009

The heads of U.S. membership associations are worried the lackluster economy will cause both a drop in membership dues and in other forms of revenue, a new survey says.

In a March survey, the vast majority of the 1,100 associations contacted said they believe the recession will hurt their organizations, says the report from ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership.

Two in three expect revenue generated through membership dues will decline next year, as will revenue generated from other sources.

Association heads expect membership-related revenue to drop 13.4 percent next year, while overall revenue is expected to decline by 15.7 percent.

Event revenue and charitable giving are expected to take the biggest hit, the report says.

A follow-up study is planned for this June, with results available in August.

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