Membership programs provide nonprofits with a reliable and steady revenue stream. However, merely having a program isn’t enough to inspire continued support. To sustain long-term growth, you need strong member relationships.

Nonprofits with successful membership programs build connections with dedicated supporters that encourage members to get involved in fundraising campaigns and initiatives for years to come.

Let’s walk through five tips to supercharge your nonprofit’s member relationship-building strategy.

1. Use Dedicated Nonprofit Membership Software

Running a nonprofit comes with lots of administrative work, but it doesn’t have to be a burden. To streamline day-to-day tasks associated with a membership program, many nonprofits use management software.

Professional-grade membership management software streamlines interactions with members and boosts their overall experience with your organization. A centralized and efficient communication system also reduces administrative tasks, saving time and money.

Some key features your software should include are:

• Online membership database: Maintain an organized, easily-accessible repository of membership information.
• Analytics and reporting: Identify member behaviors, preferences and needs to improve your marketing efforts and membership enrollment.
• Website builder: Use a website builder to establish an attractive and professional online presence through pre-designed templates and drag-and-drop functionality, all without learning to code.
• Membership dues management: Seamlessly track membership fees, send payment reminders and facilitate online payment options.
• Integration with other software: Look for a platform that integrates with other software related to membership management. For example, you might invest in member management software that integrates with a popular community engagement platform.
• Event management: Plan, organize and manage your entire event lifecycle, from registration to post-event follow-up.

If you’re looking to get started with membership management software, there are many affordable, beginner-friendly options, and most have free trials you can test before committing to a full subscription.

2. Create a New Member Welcome Program

Start your membership program off strong by making new members feel like a valued part of your community. By focusing on the new member experience, you can not only start building strong relationships but also guide members toward specific benefits, making them more likely to engage with your content.

A few ways you can welcome new members include:

• Welcome email series. Create a series of emails that welcome supporters to your membership program. For example, your first membership email might thank supporters for signing up and provide directions for how to access membership benefits. Then, your next email might highlight popular or new members-only content, and your third email may emphasize how members advance your mission.
• Welcome kit. Make a positive first impression on new members by mailing them a new member welcome kit. Tradewing’s guide to member engagement for associations lists a few items nonprofits can also benefit from sending members. These include a welcome letter, branded merchandise, an event calendar, a member ID card, and your organization’s handbook.
• New member events. Kick off your membership program or engage several new members at once by hosting a new member event. Get to know new members face-to-face and welcome them to your community. 

After new members finish their onboarding period, send them a survey asking questions about their experience. This is an opportunity to learn why supporters decided to join your membership program, what benefits they are enjoying, and if your welcome strategy properly oriented them. 

3. Offer Valuable Perks and Benefits

Ultimately, supporters join membership programs to earn specific benefits. While they want to help your mission as well, if they didn’t care about receiving perks in exchange, they’d just be regular donors! This is why successful nonprofit programs offer a range of benefits to foster loyalty and strengthen member relationships.

Some popular, tried-and-tested reward strategies include:

• Admission to a members-only club or community
• Discounts on your nonprofit’s services or products
• Free branded merchandise
• Exclusive job board and volunteering opportunities
• Access to members-only online content
• Early or special event access

Additionally, consider tiered perks packages. For example, your nonprofit might offer bronze, silver, and gold tiers. Each successive tier has higher membership dues but comes with more benefits. 

This approach establishes a framework for building strong member relationships and encourages members to purchase higher tiers for the added perks. Each level should have exciting benefits that show members their contributions are valued while incentivizing them to consider upgrading to a higher tier.

4. Provide Multiple Ways to Engage

Don’t let your membership program stop at rewards and perks. Your nonprofit members have differing needs, interests, priorities and resources. As such, offer them various engagement options that allow them to choose how they want to engage with your organization.

For instance, you might encourage them to:

• Sign up for volunteer opportunities: According to Double the Donation, 68% of people volunteer with the organizations they donate to. Offer members unique volunteering opportunities that let them witness the positive difference you’re making.

• Attend events: Members-only events or events where members get special perks are an opportunity to bring your community together, celebrate them, and solidify your connections with each member. For example, you might have a VIP area at a gala, concert or community picnic where members can socialize with each other and access exclusive rewards, like free food and swag bags.
• Engage with your online content: Keep members engaged between events by creating content they can interact with online. This might include exclusive blog posts, research reports, online events or access to your online member community. 

Members of your organization want to see you succeed. They show their passion by giving you their time and money, so it bodes well to provide a range of opportunities that make them feel involved.

5. Foster a Sense of Community Among Members

Cultivating lasting member relationships goes a long way toward retaining their support, and building a sense of community can boost engagement even further.

Create opportunities for your members to find solidarity with like-minded individuals. As the saying goes, “Your network is your net worth.” Here are a few ways you can foster these priceless connections:

Create discussion forums

Online discussion forums enable members to share ideas, ask questions and connect with one another. They’re not time-locked and give members a way to connect throughout the year.

Nonprofits operating on a budget might turn to social media platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn, but organizations serious about maintaining an online community might turn to community engagement software. 

These tools are commonly leveraged by associations and allow organizations to create private social media-like sites for just their community. This means that rather than fighting for members’ attention on Facebook, you can cultivate a space where every post is about your nonprofit. 

Members can use your community engagement software to post content, direct message each other, form groups, and search your membership directory. With these tools, members can follow up on connections established at events and make new ones between activities. 

Host members-only networking events

Members-only networking events are win-win: you get the funding you need, and members get the opportunity to make connections. Nonprofits with career-focused membership programs can potentially earn sponsorships, collaborations and partnerships between members and your nonprofit. After all, by bringing together skilled professionals, you can foster projects where these members donate their skills to your organization.

These events are an excellent opportunity for members to get involved through speaking opportunities, volunteer opportunities or leadership roles, which can strengthen member relationships and member satisfaction.

Invite members to an exclusive social media group

Public social media works better for audience reach and discovery, whereas private social media groups or even a gated community engagement platform are great for engagement and member retention. Since exclusive groups cater to niche interests in a common cause, they generate higher-quality discussion and stronger member relationships.

To ensure your community engagement platform delivers a high return on investment, actively engage members on your engagement site. Initiate conversations, encourage discussion, create exclusive content and demonstrate your nonprofit’s commitment to its mission. 

Framing your nonprofit as a communal space is a surefire way to increase membership and receive long-term support. Plus, once you spark long-running conversations online, you can eventually rely on your members to start engaging one another without your nonprofit’s direct input. This not only helps build a sense of community but also makes your membership program more valuable to all members. 

Wrapping Up: Secure Lasting Support

Regardless of their financial contributions, each member has a relationship with your nonprofit that is worth nurturing. When members are happy, retention rates improve, donations flow and new members join.

Ultimately, investing in meaningful interactions that affirm members’ support and display genuine appreciation for their generosity helps secure long-lasting member relationships. These tips are some of the best ways to make your members feel connected and valued.