Nonprofit organizations benefit greatly from membership programs, as they provide a reliable and steady revenue stream. But merely having a program isn’t enough. You need strong member relationships with individuals who support your cause to sustain long-term growth. 

Successful membership programs build connections with dedicated supporters in a sincere way that inspires members, communities and investors to get involved in fundraising campaigns and initiatives for years to come. 

Let’s walk through four popular strategies to supercharge your nonprofit’s member relationship-building power to the next level.

1. Use Dedicated Nonprofit Membership Software

Running a nonprofit comes with plenty of administrative work, but it doesn’t have to be such a burden. That’s why many nonprofits use management software to manage member relationships. 

Professional-grade 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 prioritize: 

• Online membership database: Maintain an organized repository of membership information that’s easily accessible. 
• Analytics and reporting: Identify customer behaviors, preferences and needs to improve marketing efforts and membership enrollment.
• Website builder: Use a website builder to establish an attractive and cost-effective online presence with pre-designed templates and drag-and-drop features without learning to code.
• Membership dues management: Seamlessly track membership fees, send payment reminders and facilitate online payment options. 
• Integration with other software: Improve usability with additional features and functions that may not be available within the CRM itself. 
• 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 and database software, there are many affordable, beginner-friendly options, and most have free trials you can test before committing to a full subscription.

2. Offer Truly Valuable Perks and Benefits

When people feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to reciprocate with continued support and recommend your cause to others. This is why successful nonprofit programs offer perks and benefits to foster loyalty and strengthen member relationships. 

Your membership program should ignite passion, reflect your mission and easily fit into your current resource management capabilities. Shape your benefits around what attracts your members to your organization in the first place! 

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

• Admission to a members-only club
• 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 

Then there are also tiered perks packages to consider. This type of rewards program model has different membership levels – think Bronze, Silver and Gold Tiers – which offer multiple tiers of benefits based on a member’s level of engagement or donation. 

Not only does this establish a framework for building strong member relationships, but it also encourages members to reach higher tiers with added perks. Each level should have exciting benefits that show members their contributions are valued while incentivizing them to stick around and donate more when they can. 

3. 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, so you should offer them various engagement options that allow them to choose how best to support your organization. 

For instance, you might encourage them to:

• Sign up for volunteer opportunities: According to Double the Donation, 76% of people donate to nonprofits, while 68% of people volunteer with the organizations they donate to. This is all the more reason to offer members unique volunteering opportunities that allow them to witness the positive difference you’re making.

• Apply for a volunteer advisory board position: Your membership group likely has individuals whose expertise could help your nonprofit achieve its goals. While some members may not be able to volunteer, they could play an essential role in an advisory capacity. 

• Interact with your nonprofit on social media: There are over 5 billion active social media users around the world. Those interacting with your social media accounts will inevitably share your content and support your cause. Expanding your community online is a low-stakes way for members to amplify your message and reach a wider audience.

• Submit feedback through a member survey: Surveys allow members to provide feedback and feel more involved in your organization. Being curious about their experience shows you care and builds meaningful relationships that strengthen your organization.

Look to your highest-tier members for fundraising, sponsorships and partnerships. 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.

4. Foster a Sense of Community Among Members 

While cultivating lasting member relationships goes a long way toward retaining their support, building a sense of community within your membership model can boost engagement even further. 

Instead of donating and being done with it, 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 allow members to share ideas, ask questions and connect. They’re not time-locked, and give members a way to connect with your organization and one another throughout the year.

LinkedIn and Facebook groups offer a professional and social forum environment, accessible from any device. Both platforms enable multimedia content sharing, which adds depth and variety to discussions and makes it more engaging for participants.

Host members-only networking events

Members-only networking events are win-win: you get the funding you need, and members access exclusive experiences that deepen their sense of belonging. Hosting could lead to something more: sponsorships, collaborations and partnerships between members and your nonprofit. 

They’re 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 are great for engagement and member retention. Since exclusive social media groups cater to niche groups interested in a common cause, they generate higher-quality discussion and stronger member relationships. 

Just be sure to engage with your members actively in these community spaces. Initiate conversations, encourage discussion, create exclusive content and ensure people witness their impact on your organization. Framing your nonprofit as a communal space is a surefire way to increase membership and receive long-term support.

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 membership program members increase. 

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