What type of organization is ClubRunner AMS best for?

ClubRunner is best suited for micro-associations, local membership clubs, and district-level organizations, particularly those within the Rotary International network, due to its specialized integrations and focus on basic, all-in-one functionality for volunteer-led groups.

What is the SmartThoughts Tier for ClubRunner AMS?

ClubRunner AMS is classified as a Tier IV: Micro-Membership Software. This tier is for solutions geared toward organizations with operating budgets typically less than $1 million, offering core features with limited depth and tailoring options.

What are the main functional features of ClubRunner?

Its main functional goals include membership management, an integrated website designer, eBulletin communications, event registration and management, basic dues and billing, and specialized tools like the Attendance Manager and RI integration for Rotary clubs.

Is ClubRunner AMS a good fit for large associations?

No. As a Tier IV system, ClubRunner is not designed for large national organizations. Large associations (Tier I, minimum $5M operating budget) require comprehensive, highly customizable enterprise systems that offer advanced analytics and extensive tailoring capabilities that Tier IV systems lack.

How does ClubRunner's pricing work?

ClubRunner offers transparent, member-count-based pricing with separate tiers for Club and District versions, starting at approximately $27/month for small clubs, plus a setup fee. Pricing scales based on the total number of members.

ClubRunner AMS Software Review

ClubRunner AMS reviewed by SmartThoughts

ClubRunner AMS Software Review for Association Executives: Streamlining Club Operations and Member Engagement

For Association Executives tasked with the crucial project of procuring new Association Management Software (AMS), the landscape can feel overwhelming. With over 130 purported membership systems available today, finding the right fit—a solution that aligns with your organization's unique size, complexity, and budget—is paramount. This summary provides a concise, objective analysis of the ClubRunner AMS platform, framing it as an essential guide for non-technical senior leaders in the non-profit and association community.

Summary of the ClubRunner Software

ClubRunner is an integrated membership success platform that combines a website, membership management, and communication tools into one centralized platform. The software is specifically recognized for delivering a fast "time to value" and is the software of choice for over 5,000 clubs worldwide. ClubRunner is an Official Rotary International Licensee and serves thousands of Rotary clubs and districts globally.

The CEO of ClubRunner, Sarah Asterbadi, states that they "work relentlessly to empower our customers with the tools they need to support and grow their membership, and reduce the administrative workload". This commitment is reflected in its high ratings for customer support and ease of use in peer reviews.

The Purpose Statement of the ClubRunner AMS Software

ClubRunner's core purpose is to make technology work for anyone, anywhere, while enabling clubs and districts to streamline their processes and improve productivity. It is designed to help dedicated members use their valuable time more wisely by automating and simplifying club-related administration, freeing them up for community service, fellowship, and fun. This focus on efficiency is intended to support goals related to increasing impact, improving member engagement, and adapting to changes within the community and membership.

What Makes ClubRunner a Fit for the Association Market and Unique?

ClubRunner's primary distinguishing feature is its deep, integrated specialization, particularly with Rotary International clubs, making it a powerful solution for multi-tiered federated organizations.

Rotary International Integration: ClubRunner led the way in integrating its database directly with Rotary International (RI), allowing clubs and districts to sync records in real-time and eliminate duplicate data entry. This tight integration is a critical feature for Rotary clubs and districts, which form a significant portion of its client base.
Integrated Platform for Clubs and Districts: The platform offers dedicated versions for clubs, districts, and zones, providing a three-tiered database structure that is tailored for layered organizational management.
Built-in Public Relations and Website: It includes a professional, customizable website designer that helps improve the club's image to existing and prospective members. The platform also includes an eBulletin feature for personalized communication and a 'New Members Program' to ensure a proper member induction process.

What are the Functional Goals of the ClubRunner Software?

ClubRunner's functional goals are concentrated on essential, integrated tools for managing and engaging a volunteer-driven membership base, aiming for a "A pocket-sized paradox of utility" approach (characteristic of Tier III ) that bundles core functionality into one platform.

Membership Management: Maintains a secure, up-to-date member directory with photos, allowing members to keep their profiles current and facilitating an integrated 'New Members Program'.
Communication & Marketing: Features include a website designer, a contacts module for non-members, and an eBulletin tool for sending personalized newsletters and announcements.
Events Registration & Management: The built-in Event Planner allows for running successful events from start to finish, accepting online registrations from both members and the public. The companion product, MyEventRunner, allows for building custom registration forms.
Financial Management: Supports dues and billing management, allowing for the creation of custom invoices and online acceptance of credit card payments for dues, donations, and event registrations. Financial management is focused on core club/district needs, which typically include basic accounts receivable tracking.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM): The system's core membership and contact modules function as a basic CRM, focused on membership tracking, engagement reporting, and managing committees.
Core Administrative Tools: Unique tools include an Attendance Manager for tracking meeting attendance and makeups, and a Volunteers module for creating sign-up lists for shifts and tasks.

Where Does ClubRunner Fit in the Market?

Based on the SmartThoughts Tier Classification Framework, ClubRunner is likely found within Tier III, bordering on the Tier IV: Micro-Membership Software places. Tier IV systems are typically geared toward micro-associations with operating budgets ranging from startup to less than one million dollars, focusing on basic features and limited tailoring.

ClubRunner's features, such as basic AR and integrated website functionality within a CMS system, align closely with the characteristics of a Tier IV solution. Its specialized focus on clubs, particularly Rotary, and its pricing structure based on small member counts further confirm this tier placement.

Similar Systems in the Tier IV & Tier III Category:

Wild Apricot: (Owned by Personify) A widely recognized solution that also offers all-in-one features for small- to micro-associations.
MemberPress & Digital Access Pass: WordPress plug-ins that embody the core website-centric approach of Tier IV, offering basic membership and billing features on top of a Content Management System (CMS).

ClubRunner's ideal client profile is a volunteer-led, local, or district-level membership club (like Rotary or Lions Clubs) with an operating budget typically below $1 million. Its strength is providing an immediate, integrated, and supported solution for highly structured, smaller federated organizations that value administrative efficiency and communication.

What is the Price of ClubRunner?

ClubRunner's pricing is transparently structured based on the number of members and whether the organization is a club or a district.

Club Version - Standard: Starts at approximately $27/month with a $100 setup fee, based on an "up to 20 member tier". Pricing scales up based on the number of members (e.g., a club with 101-120 members is approximately $62/month).
District Version - Standard: Starts at approximately $155/month with a $950 setup fee, based on a "less than 2,000 member tier".
Add-On Modules: Additional modules like the Enhanced Committee Module or the Grants Module are priced separately on a monthly or annual basis.
Additional Costs: Costs may include SSL certification, domain management fees, and optional opt-out fees for banner advertising.

Crucially, in the end, it is recommended to contact the software vendor directly for the latest pricing information.

ClubRunner Peer Reviews and Unique Feature Insights

ClubRunner generally receives positive peer reviews, particularly from its core user base. It has received a "Reviewer's Choice Award" from Software Advice for its high ratings in ease of use, customer support, and overall performance in the membership management category.

Positive Feedback: Reviewers consistently praise the level of customer support (rated 5/5) and the platform's user-friendliness. Clients highlight the value of the all-in-one platform for streamlining operations and the ease of customizing the website and e-bulletin.
Unique Feature Testimonial: One Rotary club user stated they are "impressed with the many upgrades" and the customization now possible for a very attractive website without a web designer. Another noted that the system is "excellent... for keeping our Club well organized and integrated with Rotary International".
Employee Insights (Inferred Correlation): While no specific Glassdoor data is cited here, it's a critical point for executives to understand the correlation between employee happiness and customer support. High turnover or low morale, as reflected in employee reviews, can negatively impact the support quality, which is the lifeline for a "Swiss Army knife" all-in-one system. It is important to check the dates of any reviews, as issues from a decade ago are irrelevant.

What Does SmartThoughts Expert Analysis State?

ClubRunner is a classic example of a "best-fit" solution when a niche focus aligns perfectly with an association's needs. Its primary focus on the Rotary community is a testament to its commitment and deep integration capabilities within that specific federated structure. For Rotary clubs and districts, ClubRunner is a logical and highly efficient choice that reduces administrative burden.

However, for a non-Rotary association, the system should be approached with a discerning eye. As a Tier IV solution, it is designed for simplification and ease of use, which inherently means its depth in functional areas like complex conference management, advanced CRM, or accrual-based accounting integration will be limited compared to Tier II or Tier I systems. The ability to tailor functionality is minimal, with limitations like the number of custom fields.

Executive leadership must evaluate if the software's depth can support future growth and increasing complexity. If your association anticipates an operating budget exceeding the Tier III threshold of $2.5 million or requires deep, custom functionality (such as a Content Management System or Email Marketing Automation separate from the core), a Tier IV solution like ClubRunner may become a limiting factor down the road. The selection process should always begin with an internal analysis of your current programs and a forward-looking view of your needs over the next three to five years.

Our Final Thoughts on ClubRunner

ClubRunner is an excellent, proven solution for micro-associations and clubs that require a simple, integrated, and highly supported all-in-one system, especially within the Rotary ecosystem. For organizations seeking a powerful tool to manage basic administration, communication, and events on a limited budget, it offers tremendous value and a low barrier to adoption. The key is to recognize its placement in the right category, understanding that its simplicity and affordability mean sacrificing the depth and extensive customization found in higher-tier, more expensive enterprise systems.

Your software decision is a critical investment, not just an expense, and failure is not an option. Verified Association Executives (not currently working with a consultant) are encouraged to schedule a conversation for a free evaluation and/or the full, thorough Smart Report. You have nothing to lose by gaining expert, unbiased counsel.

Learn More Here! And, contact us today.

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