Independent AMS Selection Toolkit for Association Executives
Selection Resources
The selection of an Association Management nonprofit software solution is a critical decision with major strategic and financial implications. As nonprofits (501c 3’s and associations) move toward using digital media to interact with members at a deeper level, the database plays a critical role.
The fundamental goal of our site is to provide useful resources specifically tailored to the nonprofit executive seeking an AMS or software technology for their association nonprofit.
On this site, we provide answers to questions such as where to begin your search to find database software for your nonprofit, what are some popular software for nonprofits, and how should a nonprofit assess readiness and embark on a smart technology exploration.
We strive to continually educate and provide content through various utility tools and information which will help in that mission. This is an ongoing mission, so please check back regularly to see what we may have new.
Please take a few moments to review the resources that we provide below. And, if you desire one resource simply click the link in the "Name of the Resource". And, you are on your way!
Assessment & Planning Tools
Consultant Evaluation Tool
This complimentary questionnaire is designed to help you determine if you require a software consultant or if your current consultant needs assistance with your software-related decisions.
Tech Health Scorecard
Small associations face catastrophic risks from outdated systems, poor backups, and cobbled-together technology. With limited IT budgets and staff, you're one system failure away from losing member data, missing critical deadlines, or exposing sensitive information. Our Tech Health Scorecard evaluates your current technology across 8 critical risk areas—giving you a clear, objective assessment of where you're vulnerable and what needs immediate attention. Get Your Free Tech Health Score now.
AMS Vendor Finder
Association executives often waste time endlessly "googling" through the overwhelming 130 AMS options. Our tool solves this problem by letting you quickly input key information to narrow down the market and generate a focused list that is actually worth your review time.
AMS Change Quiz
Is it time to Keep, Optimize, or Replace your Association Management System (AMS)? This quiz offers a preliminary look at this major question, helping you determine if further research is needed and guiding your next steps in answering the proverbial question: "Should It Stay or Go?"
Free Software Lists
To assist you, and because we believe searching can be time-consuming and unproductive, we are providing a free list of technology tools specifically relevant to an association's technology ecosystem.
Vendor Evaluation Resources
Free Vendor Demo Scorecard Report
During your software selection process, demonstrations will be a key component. This repeatable scoring tool is structured to help your team effectively evaluate each demo. It provides a cohesive and organized method for tracking important criteria and facilitating intelligent discussion when reviewing AMS software options.
Free Software Reviews
Our ongoing evaluation process assesses database software options for a broad spectrum of nonprofit and membership-based organizations. This includes, but is not limited to, associations, churches, museums, faith-based groups, and arts and cultural institutions. This comprehensive process involves thoroughly reviewing and interviewing all vendors who claim to offer suitable database solutions for these specific sectors.
Vendor Matching Services
During a free consultation, we are prepared to discuss various products you may be considering and share our years of insights and comparisons of options in the market.
Expert Guidance & Training
Complete Software Selection Guide
If you are just getting started and would like a guide to get you through the first of the AMS software selection project and through the end with a complete list of tips, tricks, and metrics to check this is what you need. Simply request your copy by clicking the link above, and you will get it sent directly to you.
Quick Start Selection Training
When leadership drops an AMS project on your desk, you need to move fast. Get the exact tools and framework to launch your selection process with confidence. Enter your details below for instant access.
eBooks on Technology for Nonprofits
We hope the impartial and agnostic information library we offer here assists your nonprofit with its software search. We look forward to connecting with you and hope our efforts add value to making smarter software business decisions.
Events, Podcasts, and Webinars For Associations:
Sponsored by vendors who provide Database Software for Nonprofits, including Membership Software, Donor Software, CRM Software for Nonprofits, & Marketing Automation Software Technologies. We highlight events, podcasts we are on or participate in, or webinars we host.
Insightful Articles For Associations:
We provide articles each week about topics related to Membership Database Software, Donor Software for Nonprofits, Marketing Automation Software and Nonprofit CRM Software.
Contract & Implementation Support
Free AMS Contract Evaluation Guide
Free 5-minute assessment evaluates your software license and implementation agreements. Identify hidden contract risks before signing. For association executives. Professional Legal Guidance is Required. This tool is designed to assist small and mid-size associations in identifying potential "red flags" in contract and implementation language before signing. However, it is not a replacement for professional legal advice. It is essential that you consult with your legal counsel during the final phase of your selection process.
AMS Reference Call Evaluator
During the final stage of your selection process, speaking with verified software users is crucial. This unique, repeatable tool is essential because it captures your key priorities and subsequently generates the most relevant questions to ask references. This is a vital step!
Free RFP Review Service
Have us review your RFP for free! Simply use our online form to answer a few short questions and upload your RFP for our experience to help you evaluate the RFP that you have either built or received from various AMS software vendors. Avoid costly mistakes. Find the perfect AMS fit. Our independent consultants will provide actionable insights within 48 hours. Free!
AMS Software Decision Analysis Tools
We have a proprietary decision criteria analysis tool that allows association executives to understand and quantify why a particular solution is better than the other. The last 5 yards is always the most difficult in making a decision. This free tool allows you the guidance you need to feel comfortable you have objectively made the best choice for your association.
Stop starting from scratch every time you need board approval. Get our proven presentation template that walks you through each critical slide, complete with talking points and decision frameworks that board members expect to see
This free comprehensive guide, available upon request, provides the complete implementation framework used by associations that finish on time, on budget, and achieve their targeted ROI within 12 months of go-live. Based on 200+ successful implementations across associations of all sizes, you'll learn exactly how to plan, execute, and optimize your AMS implementation from contract signing through post-launch stabilization.