The importance of professional tools for associations
Associations under the 1901 law are not-for-profit. However, they are subject to the same rules as any other structure: efficiency. Especially as subsidies continue to decrease. Associations need to adapt to make their model viable. You can read all our opinions on SMCs in our dedicated section.
Associations are evolving within a new framework
Voluntary organisations have a strong and valued social role
Many associations are recognised as being in the public interest. The Equality and Citizenship Act, which is about to be passed, also 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 six days' leave a year for voluntary work, granted to association managers,
- an increase in the number of civic services to encourage the development of associations.
Despite all this, subsidies are becoming scarcer
Despite all this dynamism, the economic climate remains gloomy. The government is over-indebted and is constantly increasing its budget cuts . Some associations that were viable ten years ago are now in the dock. Profitability is now a sine qua non: the charity must cover its fixed costs.
Associations face a new context
Whether it's sewing classes or organised concerts, the association has only its resources at its disposal to make its model profitable. Its value proposition becomes its currency. In the same way that a company has to satisfy both its customers and its employees, it is its members and volunteers that the association has to 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 administration to manage: database, subscriptions, etc. We generally start with Excel files, but the tool is fixed. Working on it with several people at the same time multiplies the number of duplicate versions and means you have to spend time reconciling them. There is a real risk of losing data. The association needs a collaborative tool capable of circulating and synchronising 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 updated continuously. The memboGo tool is a management software dedicated to associations. It provides you with an online registration module, connected to your accounting system. The tool automates the entry of transactions. On the CRM ( Customer Relationship Management ) side, a workflow system allows you to set up reminder e-mails: for example, 30 days before the membership expiry date, to suggest renewal. The directory and database are automatically incremented and synchronised.
Lighten the administrative load to refocus on the common project
Volunteers get involved in their spare time. We need to keep them motivated. By lightening the administrative load, you make it easier for the association to function. Tasks are easier to divide up and weigh less heavily on everyone. The project, a genuine shared interest, continues to be nurtured and enriched.
Dynamic tools that can be adapted to your association's needs
Operating in line with the new expectations of your members
Your members also need to be pampered. But they are used to smooth-running operations. If, in order to join, you impose a day and time for them to queue, you will lose a good proportion of them. Nowadays, one of the advantages of the internet is that it avoids 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 good. 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 each member of the association can take charge of uploading content, updating the news page, posting a message, etc. That's why CMS-type website creation software is essential. With memboGo, for example, no technical skills are required. Creating and managing your site is easy and intuitive. A great-looking website can make all the difference to your members!
A range of modules specific to your activity
Tools dedicated to associations like memboGo have various specific applications. The "Donations" module, for example, provides for 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 members' and non-members' prices, etc. With the 'Communication' module, you can automatically send emails or newsletters. You can use the same tools as in a business to build loyalty among your members. The range of modules available in the application will therefore be able to meet many of your association's needs and specific requirements.
Protect your association from red tape! The more paperwork takes over, the more you will lose your volunteers. And yet they are the ones on whom everything depends. On the other hand, a dynamic approach will bring you new members. Dedicated marketing tools add the necessary layer of professionalism to the work of associations. Today, this approach is essential if your project is to be sustainable.
Article translated from French