Top Membership Recruitment Tips for Your Nonprofit

Summer is quickly passing us by which means that summer vacations are coming to an end, schools are back in session, and organizations across the country are gearing up to continue reaching their annual goals. Some of these organizations will open their doors for membership intake within the next few weeks and may find that it will be somewhat challenging to not only find, but retain new members. ExpressTaxExempt is here to support your organization by providing some beneficial recruitment strategies and tips that can help your organization as it continues to grow. 

Leaders should have a clear understand of the organization’s goals, objectives, mission, and purpose prior to recruiting others to join. Have leaders in your group come up with an “elevator speech” (clear, brief message/commercial about the organization) that can be shared with those interested in joining your organization. These speeches can be shared first in a role playing activity during a monthly leadership meeting. 

If your organization is looking for specific types of individuals to carry out the work of the group, market and cater your recruitment efforts to the type of people that you need. For example, if you are recruiting for a college campus ministry, gear your recruitment efforts towards millennials with innovative and intriguing materials that incorporate scriptures or inspirational quotes. 

Once you can identify who your target audience will be, then determine a realistic number of new members that you would like to have join your organization. 

How many new members can your organization reasonably assimilate into the group? Knowing the answer to this question will greatly impact the outcome of your recruitment efforts. 

When marketing and/or advertising for your organization, be sure to use creative and strong visual elements. These visual elements will attract the attention of potential members. Utilize the talents of those within your organization and have those members with artistic talents design your flyers, posters, promotional videos, and marketing materials. Be strategic with your marketing. Do a social media blast and have the members of your organization repost a flyer or promotion at a specific time & date. Post printed flyers in “high traffic” areas where people seem to walk by or gather to fellowship which will increase the overall reach of your marketing. 

When seeking others to become a part of your group it is important to be genuine. Prospective members can easily tell if your efforts are to simply just increase the size of your membership roster. Be real and let them be real. Also, remember that personal contact is always better than tons of flyers and advertisements. People tend to join an organization because of the people they will be associated with. Take time to get to know your new members. 

Members of organizations want to feel a part and know that their presence in your group is valued and that they are appreciated. Throughout the year, have conversations and open discussions with members to let them voice their opinions and provide ideas as to how to make the organization become even stronger and more effective. 

By implementing these strategies into your annual recruiting efforts, you will be able to see a positive enhancement to your organization. As always, ExpressTaxExempt is here to help you in any way that we can. Be sure to e-file your Form 990 series tax forms with us each year to maintain your tax exempt status and remain in good standing with the IRS. Feel free to contact our support team of e-file experts at 704.839.2321 for any questions or help with your e-filing experience. We’re here to assist you Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST or feel free to reach us 24/7 via email at [email protected].