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AES provides support services to not-for-profit organisations.
The Challenge of Prorated Membership and Renewal Cycles
Anyone responsible for membership in an association understands this tension:
Do we renew members on the anniversary of their joining date, or operate on a single annual renewal date?
And if we operate on a single renewal date, how and when should prorated membership apply?
Here is a deeper exploration of each model — with practical examples drawn from real-world association operations.
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When associations discuss upgrading their websites, the conversation often starts with design, branding, and visual appeal.
Business events in Australia contribute over $36B annually and are growing fast!
Check out our latest article for essential tips on venue selection, security, insurance, and more—plus key stats like $21.4B in traveller
spend and 11% projected growth.
It’s the Gala Awards night – but are your awards truly valued by most of your members?
Most association leaders face a persistent challenge: growing and retaining members. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of
members who join for a year, drop off, and then rejoin two years later. While this cycle may seem harmless, it carries hidden costs—such
as staff time, marketing expenses, onboarding resources, and software overhead—that
can quietly drain your association’s budget.
Running an association or not-for-profit (NFP) is no small feat. Whether you're leading a professional body, a community group, or a
national peak organisation, one question always lingers:
“How do we know we’re doing well?”
It’s a fair question—and an important one.
A Director Penalty Notice (DPN) is a formal notice issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) that holds company directors personally liable for specific unpaid company tax obligations.
Too often, associations are eager to expand their membership before ensuring the organisation is on solid footing. But real, sustainable growth starts from within. Before you open the doors to new members, it's essential to check that the ship is seaworthy—strategically, financially, and operationally.
While design matters, this narrow focus misses the bigger picture: your website is not just a communications tool—it's a core operational platform.
Is your association growing—or just getting by?
What are the secrets to onboarding new members to your Association
The first meeting of an association's Board marks the beginning of a critical working relationship between Board members and the organisation they serve. It sets the tone for governance, collaboration, and strategic direction. A well-structured induction process ensures that new Board members are informed and confident and can contribute meaningfully from day one.
How to handle media calls
Sustainable, diverse revenue streams are vital for economic stability, long-term success, and enhancing value to your members.
Empowering the Association CEO is not just a step but the pivotal first step towards achieving Association Excellence.
For many associations and not-for-profit organisations, annual conferences or events are a highlight of the year. These gatherings provide a platform for members to connect, learn, and share ideas. Volunteers' contributions are often indispensable to ensure these events run smoothly.
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What critical actions are required by all new potential members wishing to join your association, not for profit organisation or charity?
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The Queensland Government's Made in Queensland program expansion represents a significant opportunity for associations whose members operate within or contribute to the manufacturing sector. This initiative aligns with the state's broader objectives to bolster local manufacturing capabilities, foster innovation, and attract new businesses, ensuring Queensland remains a competitive and thriving industrial hub.
For over seven years during the 1990s, I was involved with the Total Quality Management Institute, formed by leaders of some of Australia's major corporations.
There are many challenges that associations face when generating membership growth, particularly when competing with organisations providing services similar to your potential membership base. Here are some tips worth considering that have worked for our clients.
Most Associations and NFP organisations rely on their members to govern their organisation. Many appointed to the Board have limited knowledge or training, so high-performing associations ensure their new Board members are fully inducted before attending their first Board meeting.
One of the most important functions of an NFP Board is developing, implementing, and reviewing key policies. These are critical for volunteer Boards as they often act as a reference or endorsement of their values and culture.
Although there is a buzz about AI, there are some innovative ways you can genuinely surprise your members so they remain loyal to your Association or organisation.
Many association Presidents and CEOs complain that their organisation has stalled, membership is dropping, and not much has changed in the last twelve months. So, what are the key factors separating a high-performing association from one spinning at the wheel?
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Boards and management of associations have very different roles, and these must be clearly defined to ensure that everyone is completing their responsibilities. When the Board and the CEO work effectively, operations run more smoothly.
Thought about an application fee for your new members?
According to the latest figures from the ATO, there are 660,000 not-for-profit organisations in Australia, including registered charities,
incorporated associations, and other entities.
The not-for-profit sector employs over 2 million people, and most organisations are governed by volunteer boards. Their success relies on
the skills, knowledge, and experience of the appointed board or committee members.
The latest research undertaken by Association Executive Services
tells us that the Treasurer's role on an NFP board is the hardest to recruit.
Are you about to send out your member renewals? Here are my five tips to consider before you send your renewal notices
Do you need to grow your membership –it may have declined for some time. You need to have a membership drive. So, where do we start?
No matter the size of your association, risk management is one of the significant challenges facing volunteer boards. Often, Boards are expected to meet and decide there and then to enter into contracts with suppliers, sometimes worth thousands of dollars, without a proper risk assessment.
Have you had to deal with an angry member complaining about a service your association is providing?
Members are the lifeblood of associations, but when a member calls you to complain, how do you handle these incidents?
How much should an association or any organisation's CEO be allowed to spend?
Of course, it all depends on several factors, such as the size and financial health of the organisation. Having been a CEO of several
similar organisations, here are some suggested guidelines.
So, you have been elected or appointed to the Board of your member association or local not-for-profit organisation. Here is a brief overview of the roles and responsibilities of a Board.
As an association leader, you probably have a strategic plan for your organisation. But have you fully articulated why this plan is important? And have you done all of the necessary work to properly develop one?
Congratulations if you have been appointed as the new CEO of an Association or not-for-profit Organisation.
As an association leader, I have had the opportunity to be appointed to this role several times, and I am happy to share a few lessons
learned during this early time to help you succeed in your new role.
According to a recent Association Executive Services webinar with from the Australian Taxation Office, most associations or not-for-profit organisations in Australia must soon review their governing documents as part of their self-assessment process for claiming not-for-profit status.
In Australia, the aging population is not just a statistic but a significant shift that professional and industry-based associations must
address. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that over 4.2 million Australians are retirees, and in 2023 alone, 145,000 individuals
retired at an average age of 65.
However, within this challenge lies a hidden asset many associations overlook: their retired members' accumulated knowledge and experience.
While many associations accommodate retiree members, only some fully tap into the wealth of expertise these individuals offer. Here are some
ideas for engaging retired members
Leading a not-for-profit association comes with its unique set of challenges, and one of the most crucial aspects is having a strong administration team to keep everything running smoothly. Recently, I had the chance to sit down with our admin staff from Association Executive Services, who shared what they believe are the core competencies required for their roles.
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Delve into expert tips and insights on how to implement the right strategy and tips to enrich your association's advocacy campaigns.
The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No 2) came into effect on 26 February 2024. The new legislation introduces new rules and changes some existing laws, including the Fair Work Act 2009 and comes into effect at various times between now and 2025.
In case you missed it, we recently delivered an insightful webinar explaining the significant tax reform changes for not-for-profit (NFP) organisations. ATO Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Moltisanti shared her advice and guidance on the topic in great detail.
AES is excited to introduce our two new team members, Jan Davis and John Kilgour, who will both bring a range of skills and knowledge to the team.
We're experiencing change at an unprecedented pace, as seen with technologies like ChatGPT gaining 100 million users in just 2 months, far quicker than platforms like YouTube, Facebook, or Netflix in their early days. With shifts in commerce, climate, and public discourse, how do association leaders and futurists respond effectively? Maxime Lagace says wisdom is key. Paul Tero introduces the “DIKW Wisdom Hierarchy,” emphasising the transformation of raw data into wisdom through description and understanding processes. Harness this model to guide your organisation and adapt to our ever-evolving world.
For leaders and executives within industry associations and not-for-profit organisations, the shift to remote working arrangements has presented both opportunities and challenges. Ensuring a seamless transition without compromising on the essential functions of the organisation is crucial. The recent case of Suzie Cheikho v Insurance Australia Group Services Limited presented at the Fair Work Commission provides invaluable insights into navigating this complex terrain.
How we help membership based, not-for-profit associations now and into the future.
