The importance of professional tools for associations
Associations under the law of 1901 are not-for-profit. Nevertheless, they are subject to the same rules as any other structure: efficiency. Especially as subsidies continue to dwindle. Associations must adapt to make their model viable. Read all our opinions on CMS in our dedicated section.
Associations evolve within a new framework
Associations have a strong and valued social role
Many associations are recognized as being in the public interest. The French Equality and Citizenship Act, which is about to be passed, encourages voluntary work. It provides for "all volunteers to be given the opportunity to serve the values of the Republic by committing themselves, on a voluntary and occasional basis, to projects of general interest".
In practice, this means two things:
- the creation of a six-day leave of absence per year for association managers,
- an increase in the number of civic services to support the development of associations.
Despite all this, subsidies are in short supply
Despite all this dynamism, the economic context remains gloomy. The State is over-indebted and continues to extend its budget cuts . Some associations, viable ten years ago, are now on the chopping block. Profitability is now a sine qua non: associations must cover their fixed costs.
Associations face a new context
Whether it's a sewing class or an organized concert, the association has to rely on its own resources to make its model profitable. Its value proposition becomes its currency. In the same way that a company must satisfy both its customers and its employees, it is its members and volunteers that the association must take into account.
Which management solution for your association?
Excel: a tool for getting started, but quickly counter-productive
An association very quickly has a lot of administrative tasks to manage: database, subscriptions... We generally start with Excel files, but the tool is fixed. Working with several people at the same time multiplies the number of duplicate versions, and means you have to spend time reconciling them. The risk of data loss is real. The association needs a collaborative tool, capable of circulating and synchronizing shared information.
Appropriate online solutions
SaaS software - Software As A Service - has the advantage of being accessible from anywhere at any time. Stored in the cloud, they are continuously updated. The memboGo tool is a management software dedicated to associations. It features an online registration module, connected to your accounting system. The tool automates data entry. On the CRM ( Customer Relationship Management ) side, a workflow system enables you to set up reminder e-mails: for example, 30 days before the membership expiry date, to propose renewal. The directory and database are automatically incremented and synchronized.
Lighten the administrative load to refocus on the common project
Volunteers get involved on their own time. We need to keep them motivated. By lightening the administrative load, you can make the association run more smoothly. Tasks are easier to divide up, and weigh less heavily on each individual. The project, a genuine shared interest, continues to be nurtured and enriched.
Dynamic tools to adapt to your association's needs
Functioning in phase with your members' new expectations
Your members also need to be pampered. And yet, they're used to smooth-running operations. If, in order to join your association, you impose a specific day and time for them to queue, you'll lose a good proportion of them. Today, the benefits of the Internet include avoiding this kind of complication. At memboGo, memberships are made online thanks to the payment system, which can be linked directly to the website.
A lively, professional Internet presence
Having a website is great. Bringing it to life is even better. It's vital that the association regularly updates its communications. To create this dynamic, the site must be easy to use and update. So that every member of the association can take charge of uploading content, updating the news page, posting a message... That's why CMS-type website creation software is essential. With memboGo, for example, no technical skills are required. Site creation and management are easy and intuitive. A beautiful website can make all the difference to your members!
A range of modules tailored to your activity
Tools dedicated to associations like memboGo have a range of specific applications. The "Donations" module, for example, handles the receipt of donations, automatically generating tax receipts in return. The "Events" application is used to promote an event. You can set the number of tickets on sale, create a distinction between member and non-member rates... With the "Communication" module, you can automatically send e-mails or newsletters. The range of modules available in the application will enable you to respond to the many needs and particularities of your association.
Protect your association from paperwork! The more paperwork takes over, the more you'll lose your volunteers. Yet they're the ones who make it all happen. On the other hand, a dynamic approach will win you new members. Dedicated marketing tools add the necessary layer of professionalism to associative work. Today, this approach is essential if your project is to be sustainable.
Article translated from French