Association Non-Dues Revenue Infographic

The Decline of Dues Dependency

The traditional association model, heavily reliant on membership dues, has fundamentally changed. Today, non-dues revenue is not just supplementary; for most, it's the primary source of income, representing a seismic shift in financial strategy and member engagement.

Trade Association Revenue Mix

According to an ASAE report, dues constitute less than half of the total revenue for trade associations, highlighting the critical importance of other income streams.

Professional Association Revenue Mix

The shift is even more pronounced for professional associations, where dues account for less than a third of income, making non-dues revenue absolutely essential for survival and growth.

Navigating Growth Hurdles

While the need for non-dues revenue is clear, the path to achieving it is not without obstacles. A 2023 PAR survey reveals that associations face significant internal challenges, with many lacking the resources or a coherent strategy to capitalize on new opportunities.

Primary Obstacles to Revenue Growth

A lack of adequate staffing and a clear business plan are the most significant barriers preventing associations from maximizing their non-dues revenue potential.

The Strategy Gap

88%

of associations feel their business development plan is underperforming or non-existent.

(Derived from 12% reporting a working plan in PAR survey)

The E-Learning & LMS Explosion

Amid these challenges, a massive opportunity has emerged: online education. The e-learning market is experiencing explosive growth, driven by member demand for flexible, accessible professional development. Learning Management Systems (LMS) are the engines powering this transformation.

Global E-Learning Market Projection

The market is set for exponential growth, cementing online education as a dominant and lasting economic force.

Historic Growth

900%

growth in online learning since its inception.

Member Preference

63%

of U.S. students prefer online study for its flexibility.

LMS Market Value by 2032

$232B

projected growth, reflecting massive system adoption.