Your organization's membership is an extremely important aspect of fundraising. This folder provides information on how to develop and retain members.

The Non-Profit Membership Toolkit (book)
The Non-Profit Membership Toolkit by Ellis M.M. Robinson is one of the most comprehensive guides to building and managing membership available. "Step-by-step, The Nonprofit Membership Toolkit shows how to create, manage, and sustain a dynamic membership program that will help a social change organization thrive." You can buy this book for $38 from Jossey Bass at the link below. Use code JBNPD and save 20% Also check out the Membership Development & Direct Mail Interview resource with this book's author.

The Non-Profit Membershiup Toolkit - Link to Order Book (URL)

Membership Development & Retention - Mutual Aid Call Notes (Alliance)
These notes are from Alliance's Membership Development & Retention Mutual Aid conference call on 3-8-2007. Topics discussed include: renewal rates, managing members, member premiums, thanking members, recruiting members, member listserv solutions, and newsletters. The call was moderated by David Hoffman and notes were taken by Kristen Steele.

Membership Development & Retention - Mutual Aid Call Notes (DOC) (34KB)

Membership Retention Phone Banking Script (San Francisco Bicycle Coalition)
This phone banking script is used by SFBC volunteers to call lapsed members about renewing their membership. This script was shared with Alliance by Jodie Moderos, SFBC's Development Director, during an Alliance Mutual Aid conference call on Advanced Membership.

Member Retention Phone Banking Script (DOC) (23KB)

Nonprofit Marketing Guide Fundraising Tips (Kivi Leroux Miller)
These resources from the Nonprofit Marketing Guide provide insight into the do's and don'ts of asking individuals for donations and support. (URL)

A Better Call to Action: Ask Supporters to Take One Single Next Step
5 Ways Nonprofits Blow Their Asks