20+ Association Management Software Picks To Explore

As an association leader, your plate is full. Juggling member retention, event planning, and operational efficiency often feels like a delicate balancing act. If your current tools aren’t pulling their weight, managing your day-to-day operations only gets harder.

Enter association management software (AMS): a transformative tool designed to streamline operations, enhance member engagement, and free up time. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right platform?

This guide will demystify the process and help you find your perfect AMS. That way, your organization can invest in a system that meets your needs today and evolves with you tomorrow. Here’s what we’ll cover:

Association Management Software FAQ
20+ Association Management Platforms
How To Select The Best Association Management Software

Whether you go with an association management platform on our list or choose a different one, you’ll have the knowledge you need to navigate your options confidently. Let’s dive in.

Association Management Software FAQ

Before diving into specific picks, let’s answer a few questions executive directors, chief technology officers, and membership directors typically have about this type of software.

What Is Association Management Software?

Association management software (AMS) is a specialized platform designed to help membership organizations manage their operations. It centralizes key functions like member management, event planning, fundraising, communication, website management, and financial tracking into one cohesive system.

With an AMS, you can streamline administrative tasks, such as:

Maintaining a searchable member database.
Processing online payments, membership dues, and donations.
Designing online event registration pages and automating event reminders.
Building and maintaining a website to share announcements, resources, events, a member directory, industry news, and more.
Communicating with members via email or other online platforms.
Generating detailed financial reports, insightful analytics, and membership overviews.

By automating routine tasks and providing valuable insights, an AMS empowers organizations to enhance member engagement, streamline processes, and focus on achieving their mission.

What’s The Difference Between an AMS and a Community Platform?

While association management software and community platforms both support member engagement, they have distinct purposes and focus areas:

Purpose: Association management software handles operational and administrative needs for membership-based organizations. Community platforms foster interaction among members.
Core Features: Common AMS features include member databases, dues collection, event registration, and financial reporting. Meanwhile, common features in community platforms include discussion forums, content sharing, messaging tools, and gamification to encourage community participation.
Goal: While an AMS streamlines and centralizes organizational processes for efficient administration, a community platform creates a vibrant space for members to share ideas and build relationships.
Examples of Use: Leverage an AMS to track membership dues, send targeted emails, and keep a centralized database of members’ engagement history and contact information. Meanwhile, use your community platform to host online discussions, conduct polls or surveys, and provide members with access to shared documents and training materials.

Trade and professional associations often use both systems together. While an AMS meets operational needs, a community platform deepens member connections and engagement.

Why Should We Invest in an Association Management Platform?

An association management platform offers transformative benefits for your organization by streamlining operations, enhancing member satisfaction, and driving long-term growth. Here’s why it’s a smart investment:

Save time and money by simplifying administrative tasks. Association management platforms automate routine tasks like tracking membership dues, processing payments, and managing event registrations. This reduces your team’s administrative burdens, freeing up time to focus on strategic initiatives.
Enhance member engagement. With tools like personalized communication, member portals, and event management, an AMS helps you create an engaging member experience. From welcoming new members to consistently promoting benefits, actively engaging members leads to greater participation and more renewals.
Centralize member and financial data. An association management platform serves as a single source of truth for all your organizational data, from member profiles to financial records. This makes it easy to access, analyze, and act on insights, improving decision-making and efficiency.
Enhance professionalism. An AMS enables you to maintain a polished online presence with customizable websites, event pages, and member portals. This helps build credibility with current and prospective members.

Instead of using disparate systems, invest in a single platform that helps your association operate efficiently, engage members, and achieve its mission. An investment in the right platform is an investment in your organization’s growth and long-term success.

What Features Should My Association Look For?

As with any software, focus on features that align with your organization’s specific needs and budget. A few key features to prioritize in your AMS search include:

Membership management tools, including a centralized member database to organize member profiles, advanced search and filtering capabilities for easy data retrieval, and automated membership renewal reminders and processing.
Event management to create registration pages, automate attendee tracking, maintain event calendars, and host virtual events.
Member engagement tools, such as a self-service member portal, an online community, and gamification features like badges or leaderboards.
Financial management to process dues, event fees, and donations. Ensure you have invoicing, automated receipt generation, and robust financial reporting tools.
Communication tools such as newsletter creation, email segmentation capabilities, and feedback collection features.
Website and content management, such as a website builder and member-only portals for exclusive content, resources, or forums.
Reporting, including customizable dashboards to monitor metrics like membership growth and event attendance as well as detailed financial reports.
Integrations with other popular association tools, such as your accounting software, marketing platform, or community engagement software.

Before investing in an AMS, ensure it also has a supportive vendor. A vendor that offers comprehensive training and support will help you get your system up and running without a hitch.

20+ Association Management Platforms

The following list isn’t exhaustive but should provide a solid place to start your search for the right association management platform. Be sure to check customer reviews on platforms like G2 and Capterra to get a better sense of each system’s practical applications.

Tradewing: Best for Online Communities

Tradewing is a community management platform designed to boost membership growth, retention, and engagement by creating dynamic online communities. Built for trade and professional associations, the platform creates a user-friendly online space where members can connect with one another, attend virtual events, access valuable resources, and stay engaged with your community, all without ever leaving the Tradewing platform.

Depending on your needs, you can purchase either Tradewing’s full AMS platform or just the community engagement tools. The community platform integrates with popular AMSs, so if you want to extend another platform’s functionality, Tradewing is a great option!

Recommended for: Small to mid-sized trade and professional associations that prioritize community engagement and networking

Top Features: Build a vibrant online member community, design a branded website in minutes, manage your events, and stay connected with members through targeted email marketing.

Pricing: Tradewing prices vary based on the size and needs of your association. Pricing depends on selected features and membership size, so request a demo for more information.

ClubExpress: Best for Small Clubs and Local Chapters

ClubExpress is an AMS tailored to small clubs, local chapters, and volunteer-led organizations seeking an affordable solution to manage operations. It simplifies administrative tasks and helps organizations build stronger connections with members through intuitive tools for communication, events, and website management.

Recommended for: Small to mid-sized clubs, local chapters, and volunteer-driven associations across various industries, including hobby groups, sports clubs, and professional networks

Top Features: ClubExpress offers users a member database, website creation tools, a member mobile app, and integrated event management with online registration and payment options. Additional features include forums, email campaigns, text messaging, and financial tracking.

Pricing: ClubExpress has a flexible pricing model based on your number of active members. Pricing per member goes down as your organization grows. For instance, pay $0.42 per member monthly if you have 1-200 members, $0.38 per member if you have 201-300 members, $0.34 per member if you have 301-500 members, or $0.30 per member if you have 501-1,000 members.

Dash: Best for Content Management

Dash is a stress-free association management software solution designed to handle every aspect of running an association. With 50+ years of experience in association management, the Dash team has developed a platform that centralizes tasks such as member sign-up, event registration, and invoicing within a cloud-hosted environment.

Recommended for: Associations across various industries aiming to enhance operational efficiency and member engagement

Top Features: Dash offers an intuitive CMS for website creation, including blogs, news feeds, and member-only content. The CMS integrates with the association’s database, providing members with a seamless experience when purchasing merchandise, registering for events, or accessing digital resources. You’ll also gain features for managing members, communicating with your community, managing events, tracking finances, and accepting sponsorships.

Pricing: Dash offers three packages with varying features. Contact their team for pricing details.

Fonteva: Best for Salesforce Users

Fonteva is a robust association management software platform built on Salesforce, the world’s most popular CRM. It leverages the power of Salesforce with specialized features for associations, making it ideal for organizations interested in Salesforce.

Recommended for: Medium to large associations in industries that use Salesforce for customer and member relationship management

Top Features: Fonteva provides advanced member management, event registration, and e-commerce capabilities. Saleforce’s flexibility allows for deep customization, and the app marketplace expands functionality further.

Pricing: Fonteva requires a Salesforce subscription and custom pricing based on the size and complexity of your association’s needs.

Forj: Best for Virtual Engagement and Learning

Forj is a virtual engagement platform focused on enhancing member collaboration in an online environment. Designed for professional associations and communities, Forj helps organizations foster connections through virtual events, networking opportunities, and collaborative tools. Forj is a dual AMS and learning management system that combines community building and learning with the goal to modernize association membership.

Recommended for: Associations and professional networks prioritizing virtual engagement, community collaboration, and learning outcomes

Top Features: Forj offers tools for hosting interactive virtual events, managing discussion forums, and creating content hubs for members. Its analytics help track member engagement, event attendance, and content consumption to measure virtual initiatives’ effectiveness.

Pricing: Forj provides custom pricing based on organization size and requirements

Glue Up: Best for Event-Driven Organizations

Glue Up is an all-in-one association management platform designed for event-driven organizations. It includes membership management, event management, and email marketing tools, giving you the ability to monetize your professional community within minutes. However, it really shines in its event functionality, which makes it easy to plan, promote, and execute online and offline events.

Recommended for: Associations and organizations that rely heavily on events for member engagement and revenue

Top Features: Glue Up is a top event management with tools for online registration, ticketing, and payment processing. It also offers CRM functionality, email campaigns, and a mobile app for on-the-go management. Leverage surveys, financial tracking, and a website builder to streamline operations further.

Pricing: Glue Up uses a tiered pricing model based on selected features, starting at $2,500 annually.

GrowthZone: Best for Membership Growth

GrowthZone is an all-in-one platform designed to drive membership growth through innovative tools for recruitment, retention, and engagement. It simplifies operations for associations by automating processes and providing insights to improve member acquisition strategies. From managing certifications to providing a secure online community, you’ll have all the features you need to scale your membership base.

Recommended for: Associations of all sizes looking to grow their membership base

Top Features: Grow revenue with robust membership offerings, events, merchandise sales, and sponsorships. You can also access built-in marketing automation and sales funnel management tools. The AI-Powered Newsletter feature allows you to curate newsletters based on members’ unique interests and engagement history.

Pricing: Subscriptions start at $4,985 annually based on your chosen package, and there’s an onboarding fee.

iMIS: Best for Large Associations

iMIS is a powerful association management software solution designed to meet the needs of large organizations with complex operations. It combines member management, learning, fundraising, and event planning tools into a unified cloud-based platform.

Recommended for: Large associations, nonprofits, and organizations with diverse membership needs and high-volume data management

Top Features: iMIS offers advanced CRM capabilities, member management tools, learning management systems, website building functionality, and robust event planning features. Its analytics and reporting tools provide real-time insights, and its integrations allow for customized organizational workflows.

Pricing: iMIS pricing is customized based on the size and complexity of your organization. iMIS Professional starts at $7,200 annually, while iMIS Enterprise requires a custom quote.

MemberClicks: Best for Small to Mid-Sized Associations

MemberClicks is an all-in-one membership management software platform tailored for small to mid-sized associations and nonprofits. It simplifies member management and saves time with tools designed for administrative tasks. It hones in on online engagement by providing tools for custom websites, digital member communities, and online databases.

Recommended for: Small to mid-sized associations, chambers of commerce, and nonprofits seeking an affordable, user-friendly solution

Top Features: MemberClicks offers a member database, email marketing, and event registration tools. Its drag-and-drop website builder and customizable member portal ensure a branded online presence.

Pricing: MC Professional is ideal for individual-based member types and small associations, starting at $4,500 annually. MC Trade is best for organization-based member types, chambers, and large associations, starting at $3,500 annually. Special pricing structures are available for chambers.

MemberLeap: Best for Customizable Membership Management

MemberLeap is a flexible association management software solution that adapts to the unique needs of each organization. It empowers associations with tailored workflows and robust tools to manage members, events, website content, communications, and financial processes. MemberLeap is an excellent choice for associations seeking a scalable, feature-rich platform that addresses specific operational challenges while fostering member engagement and organizational growth.

Recommended for: Associations that require customizable membership management tools

Top Features: MemberLeap includes a member database, automated billing, robust event planning, volunteer management, and communication tools. Its website management capabilities and financial tracking features provide additional value.

Pricing: Pricing scales based on the association’s needs and number of active records, starting at $80 per month for the Copper Plan for organizations with 1-200 active records.

Nimble AMS: Best for Advanced CRM Capabilities

Nimble AMS is a Salesforce-based association management platform offering powerful CRM capabilities. Built on Salesforce, it enables associations to leverage advanced analytics and automation for member engagement and operational efficiency. Nimble AMS customers receive seamless upgrades three times a year, ensuring you’re always using the latest tools.

Recommended for: Medium to large associations using Salesforce and seeking robust CRM functionality

Top Features: Nimble AMS provides member management, accounting, a member portal, fundraising tools, and event management. It also supports custom workflows, AI-driven analytics through Salesforce Einstein, and mobile-friendly features for on-the-go management.

Pricing: Nimble AMS pricing is custom and requires a Salesforce subscription. Costs depend on your organization’s size and feature needs.

Novi AMS: Best for QuickBooks Integration

Novi AMS is built with deep QuickBooks integration, making it the perfect choice for associations prioritizing financial management. It streamlines time-consuming accounting processes, so your team can focus on serving your association’s members.

Recommended for: Small to mid-sized associations that use QuickBooks and need an AMS to simplify financial tracking

Top Features: Novi AMS includes a two-way sync with QuickBooks’ automated invoicing and financial reporting tools. Additionally, it offers member portals, event registration, and directory management features to simplify member management. Other key features include eCommerce and website management.

Pricing: Novi AMS pricing starts at $790 per month with an onboarding fee of $3,360 for organizations with annual revenue up to $400K. Pricing scales based on your organization’s annual revenue.

Protech: Best for Microsoft Users

Protech is a powerful AMS designed to integrate with the Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform, making it an excellent choice for organizations using Microsoft tools. Manage every detail of the member journey, bring your data to life with cutting-edge reports, and boost productivity by automating administrative tasks like billing.

Recommended for: Medium to large associations that rely on Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Azure True Cloud

Top Features: Protech offers advanced CRM capabilities, automated workflows, and financial tracking through an integrated suite of financial, eCommerce, analytics, and database tools. Thanks to its comprehensive features, you can manage events, generate insightful reports, and personalize the member experience.

Pricing: Protech pricing is based on your organization’s size and needed features, with additional costs for Microsoft Dynamics 365 licensing.

Raklet: Best for Community Fundraising and Events

Raklet is a versatile platform focused on helping associations and nonprofits engage their communities through fundraising and community management tools. It combines a user-friendly interface with features that build and sustain strong member relationships, such as a branded mobile app, dues collection, newsletters, and job boards. With 4,000+ integrations via Zapier and Make, you can connect Raklet with your favorite apps to improve your association management software’s functionality.

Recommended for: Associations, nonprofits, and clubs focused on fundraising

Top Features: Raklet includes tools for organizing online and offline events. You can also provide more value to your community with discussion boards, job boards, and a searchable member directory.

Pricing: Raklet offers tiered pricing plans starting at $49 per month, with additional features and capabilities available at higher tiers. There’s also a free option with limited features.

SilkStart: Best for Multi-Chapter Organizations

SilkStart is a comprehensive association management platform tailored for multi-chapter organizations, allowing centralized management while empowering autonomous local chapters. It streamlines operations for organizations with complex structures and diverse membership bases.

Recommended for: Associations and organizations with multiple chapters, branches, or regional divisions

Top Features: SilkStart provides a centralized database for member management, robust chapter management tools, and event coordination across chapters. It also includes website building and communication tools for consistent branding.

Pricing: SilkStart’s pricing includes a one-time setup fee and recurring charges based on active members or chapters. The Standard Plan starts at $220 per month (billed annually) for up to 500 members. Meanwhile, the Multi-Chapter Plan starts at $665 per month (billed annually) for up to 10 chapters, and custom pricing is available for larger organizations or additional needs.

Springly: Best for Nonprofits and NGOs

Springly is an all-in-one solution that simplifies operations for nonprofits, NGOs, associations, churches, and other member-based organizations. It focuses on enhancing supporter engagement, strengthening communications, and streamlining fundraising.

Recommended for: Nonprofits, NGOs, and mission-driven organizations in a variety of sectors

Top Features: Springly includes membership management, donation tracking, website creation, and automated email marketing tools. The platform’s integrated event registration and financial reporting features make it easy to manage operations while staying mission-focused.

Pricing: Springly offers tiered pricing plans starting at $45 per month, with higher tiers offering advanced features like CRM tools and custom reporting. There’s also a free plan that offers basic fundraising, event, and membership capabilities.

StarChapter: Best for Local Chapters of National Associations

StarChapter is a user-friendly association management software solution designed to help local chapters of national associations manage operations, events, and communication. It simplifies administrative tasks while maintaining alignment with overarching goals and branding. It also empowers users to leverage the software based on their responsibilities, whether they’re a board president, treasurer, or other leader.

Recommended for: Local chapters of national or parent associations seeking streamlined tools for chapter management

Top Features: StarChapter includes event registration, membership management, email marketing, and content management tools, all integrated into a customizable chapter website. It also provides reporting features to share chapter performance with national organizations.

Pricing: StarChapter’s pricing starts at $53 per month, with plans varying based on chapter size and selected features. Expect to pay a setup fee ranging from $599-$3,041 based on your number of members.

ToucanTech: Best for Educational and Alumni Associations

ToucanTech is a specialized platform for educational and alumni associations, offering a unique blend of member engagement and database management tools. Its intuitive interface helps associations connect with alumni, donors, and members while streamlining administrative tasks.

Recommended for: Mid-sized educational institutions and alumni associations with up to 200K database records and looking to invest about $10K annually in new software

Top Features: ToucanTech includes tools for creating member portals, managing communications through email and social media, and processing donations with built-in fundraising features. It also makes it easy to plan events and promote job and mentoring opportunities.

Pricing: ToucanTech pricing is customized based on your organization’s size and needs, with flexible options available for different budgets.

Wild Apricot: Best Budget-Friendly AMS

Wild Apricot is affordable, user-friendly association management software designed for small associations and member-based nonprofits. Trusted by 15,000+ organizations, Wild Apricot offers a comprehensive suite of features at a competitive price point, making it ideal for budget-conscious organizations.

Recommended for: Small to mid-sized associations, nonprofits, clubs, or other member-based organizations seeking a cost-effective solution

Top Features: Wild Apricot provides membership management features, event registration capabilities, and a drag-and-drop website builder. Its self-service member portal and email marketing tools make it easy to engage members and maintain an online presence.

Pricing: Wild Apricot has a free trial and tiered pricing starting at $60 per month, based on your number of members. Save 10% by pre-paying for a year and 15% by pre-paying for two years. They also have multi-chapter pricing options.

YourMembership: Best for Member Engagement

YourMembership is a powerful association management system designed to boost member engagement. With a suite of customizable tools, it helps associations build strong member connections while automating administrative workflows, such as event management, membership renewals, and communication.

Recommended for: Small associations across industries that prioritize member engagement and retention

Top Features: YourMembership includes a member portal, learning management capabilities, event management, and email marketing tools for targeted communication. It also offers community forums, mobile-friendly features, and reporting tools to monitor engagement.

Pricing: Request a personalized quote for this association management platform.

How To Select the Best Association Management Software

Looking at this list of popular association management platforms, you might be unsure how to narrow down your options. Start by assembling a committee to evaluate different platforms. Having diverse perspectives will help you review your options objectively while considering each platform’s impact on various aspects of your association.

The buying process looks similar to any software your association might need. Follow these steps to select the best AMS for your team:

Evaluate your existing tools. List the tools your organization currently uses and their key features. Identify gaps or inefficiencies that an AMS could address to enhance productivity and member engagement.
Define your needs. Decide which features are essential for your association and which would be optional but beneficial. Focus on tools that simplify workflows, whether your priorities are managing members, member networking, events, communications, finances, or educational programs.
Set a budget. Establish a clear budget for your AMS, factoring in both upfront costs and ongoing expenses.
Research and compare options. Create a shortlist of vendors that align with your needs. Evaluate their features, pricing, and customer reviews to find the best match.
Request demos. Contact your top candidates to schedule demos. Use this opportunity to see the platform in action and ask detailed questions about how their solutions address your specific challenges.
Decide and implement your AMS. Present your final choice to leadership. Once approved, sign the contract and collaborate with the vendor to plan a smooth implementation process.

Adding association management software to your toolkit is an investment in your organization’s future, so take the time to assess your options thoroughly. You’ll be well-positioned to select a platform that fulfills your needs both today and down the road.

Choose Your Association Management Platform

The right association management software can be a lifeline, offering you the tools to work smarter, not harder. With so many choices, navigating the crowded market of AMS options can be overwhelming. Now, you know what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make a confident choice.

To learn more about association management, check out these free resources:

10 Best Community Engagement Platforms To Boost Renewals. Discover the role of a community engagement platform in managing your association and growing your membership base. Then, explore leading options on the market.
10 Solid Nonprofit Membership Marketing Ideas to Drive Impact. Reach potential members by testing out these marketing ideas. Learn about creative promotional ideas like Google Ads and referral programs.
How to Get Sponsors for an Event: A Fundraiser’s Guide. If your organization relies on events to generate revenue, check out this guide to learn about securing event sponsorships.