The AMC Model
How to Find and Partner with an AMC
Association Management Companies (AMCs) are specialists in managing nonprofit organizations and associations, providing senior leadership, management services and resources necessary to solve today's issues and plan for the future.
Most AMCs serve as client headquarters, managing day-to-day operations and providing staff members who are experts in various management functions. For nonprofit organizations that have a staff in place, AMCs provide a range of consulting services from strategic planning and membership development to communications and advocacy.
Step 1: Conduct an Organization Audit
It is important for nonprofit leaders to periodically conduct an organization audit identifying areas that could be enhanced.
For example:
- Are we delivering maximum impact for our members?
- Are our programs the right programs and delivered in the right ways?
- Are we current with our profession or market segment?
- Do we have the right people in the right positions?
Once you have completed an organization audit, your board should evaluate whether the existing staff has the skills, tools and time necessary to enhance these areas. If not, your organization can choose to go in one of two directions: hire additional staff, or partner with an AMC for specialized management services.
From day-to-day operations to select management services, AMC Institute's 150 qualified member AMCs are a source of information and expertise to nonprofit organizations. Larger AMCs employ up to several hundred staff specialists, while smaller firms may have two or three professionals. What do they have in common? Across the board, AMC Institute AMCs provide a wealth of association management experience through proven best practices and shared resources. Because they manage more than one association, their skills and knowledge base are broad and substantial. Learn more about the
AMC model here.
The process of preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP) is a good exercise and will help your organization re-focus on goals and strategies. AMC Institute has developed a four-part online RFP, complete with step-by-step instructions. After providing an overview of your organization, you'll be prompted to outline scope of services including financial, meeting and membership details. Be as specific as possible, and avoid withholding financial information in the interest of trying to get a low-bid proposal. Common expectations are critical to a successful relationship between an association and an AMC. To elaborate on specific strategic issues, your organization can upload its own RFP document.
Once you've packaged your RFP, the next step is to determine how best to distribute the information. Use the online RFP form to solicit proposals from more than 150 qualified AMCs, or narrow your search by geographic location, size, Accreditation status, client type or management specialization.
When evaluating proposals and interviewing AMCs for your nonprofit organization, consider:
- Years of experience
- Client mix
- Client loyalty
- Staffing options
- Capability
- Leadership
- Whether the firm has achieved AMC Institute Accreditation
Directory of AMC Institute Member AMCs
Members of AMC Institute are the recognized choice for full-service association management or specialized consulting services.
Click here to be redirected to an index of all AMC Institute member AMCs.
Click here to be redirected to an index of AMC Institute member Accredited AMCs.
The AMC Institute Request for Proposals Program
AMC Institute provides this free online RFP tool to help you find an AMC that is a perfect fit for your needs. Please follow these 5 easy steps to ensure your RFP includes all of the information necessary for prospective AMCs to develop a useful proposal for your review.
Submit an RFP
Sample RFPs
What to expect from a Management Transition
Your new association management firm will carefully manage the transition, being respectful of the staff and volunteers who have helped the organization reach this important point in its development. The long-term benefits the association will realize through the new partnership will far outweigh the apprehension of making a transition.
How to plan for and execute a flawless transition
Sample Management Transition Checklist
