Guest Author: Wild Apricot
Wild Apricot conducted a Multi-Chapter Benchmarking Survey to help identify and share some of the key benefits, needs, and challenges that are unique to organizations with multiple chapters, branches or affiliates. In addition, we hoped to gather information to help establish benchmarks and highlight some best practices in multi-chapter management.
A snapshot of our respondents
Our survey findings are based on 121 survey respondents, who were predominantly from the U.S. (91.7%). The survey had almost equal representation by chapters and central organizations:
- 56.2% – represented a central organization (e.g., head office, national office, etc.)
- 43.8% – represented a chapter, branch, or affiliate (termed “chapter” throughout the survey)
While the respondents represented a wide range of organization sizes, it was interesting to note that 58.5% of respondents were from professional or business/trade associations.
Survey participants included: website managers (32.1%); board members (20.8%); Presidents or Board Chairs (17%); Communications and Publications Manager (17%); Membership and Chapter managers (12.3% each); Executive Directors (11.3%) as well as other staff and volunteer roles.
